Star-crossed   

Job security just wasn't in the stars for an Austin American-Statesman news clerk who got creative with the syndicated "Joyce Jillson's Horoscope."

Job security just wasn't in the stars for an Austin American-Statesman news clerk who got creative with the syndicated " Joyce Jillson 's Horoscope." The clerk, whose name has not been disclosed, altered predictions for the May 16 column, which appeared in a Sunday preprint. Alerted to the problem, the paper that same day ran a 2A correction with the authorized horoscope--and canned the clerk. "You can argue that any material in a horoscope is made up," Editor Rich Oppel says. "Horoscopes are pure entertainment, as far as I'm concerned.... That said, I think it is improper to change anyone else's work without permission." The Creators Syndicate editor responsible for the column did not respond to a phone call. However, she may want to track down the offender, given the opinion of the Austin Public Library reference librarian who shared the bogus forecasts with AJR. "These are really pretty funny," Jane Montz says. "These are much better than the real ones." A sampling:

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A sweetheart yawns, then asks if you want pizza. A squirrel attracts your attention. Play silly games with children.
Gemini (May 21-June 21): A change of scenery confuses you. A side job affords you some extra pocket money, but you blow it all on dog races.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Take pride in the way you have decorated your home, then start all over. Try juggling with fresh fruit while singing.