Dear Gossips,

The Academy announced its first group of Oscar performers and presenters yesterday which, to me, feels early. But that was supposed to change the conversation, get people off the topic, at least for a minute, of #OscarsSoWhite. The Weeknd, Gaga, and Sam Smith will perform. The rest of the list includes:

Benicio Del Toro, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Ryan Gosling, Kevin Hart, Charlize Theron, Jacob Tremblay, and Pharrell.

Pretty even representation and pretty obvious that the representation is so even. And that was supposed to be the point, and the Academy was supposed to enjoy a good day of headlines for a change, until TMZ and other outlets reported that the producers of Straight Outta Compton, including Ice Cube, were not invited to the Oscars, prompting the Academy to issue a statement to PEOPLE denying they had anything to do with why Compton wouldn’t be at the event. It’s been two weeks, during Oscar season, and the Academy still hasn’t had a good news day.

Today is the 6th day of the 12 Days of Chinese New Year and the spotlight is on the Tiger. The Tiger and the Monkey are not compatible so, for Tigers, there may be challenges. My ma, the Chinese Squawking Chicken, is a Tiger. In our family, we’ve been bracing for some more bullsh-t. That said, the Tiger can be protected by the Rat and the Dragon. These two can help Tigers through the rough spots. Tigers are advised to be extra, extra cautious this year to avoid injury, blood loss, cuts, and crashes.

This year, Tigers must be decisive. If you say you’re going to do something, do it, follow through. Good luck doesn’t like a waffler and bad luck grows on one. 

1950 Tigers should keep their heads down, brace, and pull back on the aggression and the year should be relatively stable if you’re careful.

1962 Tigers are working against 7 dark stars this year. Be mindful of personal conflict and backstabbers. Take care of your body and try not to work too hard.

1974 Tigers should manage expectations, don’t ask for or expect too much, especially where money is concerned. You won’t get your due credit this year but if you’re prudent, your ride won’t be as rough.

1986 Tigers will be busy, very active. But don’t over-push and/or over-want. By the way, Usain Bolt is a Tiger born in 1986, competing in Rio at the Olympics to defend his title.

For all Tigers every day during the Year of the Monkey, between 3pm – 5pm are your lowest luck hours. Do not schedule anything important during this time.

At the beginning of Chinese New Year, see your doctor for a complete physical, including blood work and/or the dentist for a thorough cleaning to start everything off fresh. On February 15th, make a wish or say a prayer at church or temple or at home, during daylight hours. Pledge a donation or volunteer.

And don’t be afraid. Don’t stress that it’s all bleak. It’s not all bleak. Some years we’re just more vulnerable than others. In that vulnerability, resilience will emerge. Remember bad luck is often feng shui’s way of seeing if you’re worthy of good luck. That’s often the way of the Tiger. I was raised by one so I know. As an Ox myself, my way has always been steady without too many spikes. Tigers on the other hand are capable of spectacular rises, the highest of good luck runs that are incredible to watch. See Usain Bolt. But they don’t come every year. What’s important to remember is that when they do come, you’ve done the work to be ready for it.

Have a great weekend!

Yours in gossip,

Lainey