arguably the most original of America's popular songwriters, was born on this day in 1891 in Peru, Indiana, and, seemingly, never had a day's struggle in a long and prolific life. Everything came easy to Porter. His parents had no trouble sending him to Yale -- and Harvard, too. And he started to write popular songs at a very early age. (He published "The Bobolink Waltz" at the age of ten.) In 1916 he completed his first professional score, for the Broadway musical revue See America First. His promising career was interrupted in 1917 when he enlisted in the French Foreign Legion; he was later transferred to the French army. After World War I he returned to the U.S., where his witty, sophisticated lyrics and subtle melodies soon made him one of the most notable figures in popular music; he wrote the words, as well as the music, for all his scores and songs. Among the musical comedies for which he wrote scores are Fifty Million Frenchmen (1929), Anything Goes (1934), Kiss Me Kate (1949), and Can-Can (1953). He also composed scores for several films. His songs include "Night and Day," "Begin the Beguine," "What Is This Thing Called Love," and "I've Got You Under My Skin." Cole Porter was gay, before there was "a gay movement." There's not a hint in his songs that being gay made Porter anything different, anything special. He had no cause, other than to write songs that people enjoyed.

MODEL: There's not much here to inspire us, except this: if you've got talent, use it.

Twin confusion. If you were born on June 9, you display your Gemini twin-nature by being aggressive one minute, passive the next. People don't know what to expect from you. They characterize you as moody and emotional. At work you may be aggressive, but on the social scene, a shy wallflower. Or vice-versa. Ruled by the number 9 and the planet Mars, women born on this day may seem overly aggressive.

Solid stance. When it comes to your ideas and beliefs, however, you do not waver. You are downright blunt, especially when criticizing other opinions or theories. Even those on your own team may not be spared from your critical eye.

Child inside. Although you may have a quick mind and impeccable logic, you sometimes lash out like an emotional child. Nevertheless, you do have some good child-like qualities, like enthusiasm, curiosity and wonder. If you don't have children of your own, you may consider working with them or spending time with your extended family.

Primitive emotions. Anger and jealousy are two emotions you should keep in check. A conscious effort to improve your mental skills will help. Try taking some positive aspect of your life and use those skills where you need improvement. If you are aggressive at work but shy in relationships, use your work problem solving skills to launch a relationship. Don't create artificial barriers between work and play, or family and friends. Come together as a person.

Some advice: Stop, rise above yourself and see the real you, your strengths and weaknesses. Understanding yourself is the first step. Try expressing yourself through creativity.

Also born on this day: Robert Cummings (actor) Kenny Baron (jazz pianist, composer) Michael J. Fox (actor) Cole Porter (songwriter, lyricist, composer) Johnny Depp (actor) Carl Nielsen (Danish composer) Gertrude Muller (child safety expert) Johnny Ace (R&B singer) Les Paul (jazz guitarist, electric guitar innovator) Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (British physician)