Theodore Geisel best known as Dr. Seuss, author and illustrator of numerous children books, including "The Cat in the Hat," and "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." Geisel's books (translated into 20 languages) have sold more than 200 million copies, and they are still selling, but his first attempt, "And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," was turned down by 27 publishers before Vanguard Press took a chance on it. Geisel was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and died in La Jolla, California, where he lived most of his professional life, on Sept. 24, 1991. His books all had messages, and were designed to make kids think about making a better, happier world. In 1984, Geisel won a Pulitzer Prize "for his contribution over nearly half a century to the education and enjoyment of America's childen and their parents." And how many authors get to invent words that have become part of the language? Geisel invented two of them -- grinch (a spoilsport), and nerd (an unstylish person overly devoted to academic pursuits).

Model: Geisel's determination. By conventional standards, Geisel's drawings were ugly. But he had stories to tell, and he never gave up.

Loyal to the core. If you were born on March 2 you have a strong sense of loyalty, whether it's to family, friends, country or a higher cause. Ruled by the number 2 and the moon, you can be a highly romantic, idealistic individual.

Set them free. But this undying loyalty can be a problem for you. Sometimes people don't want to be the object of your devotion; they feel smothered and inhibited. Parents born on March 2 can have problems with children who have different value systems and wish to go their own way. Parents in this situation must learn to let their children evolve and not let their loyalty become obsessive.

One-track mind. This same obsession can show up in your work, especially creative pursuits. You become isolated and single-minded; nothing or no one can break the spell. You must remember that keeping yourself open to new and different experiences can enrich your work and life.

Get out while the gettin's good. You often find it hard to extract yourself from commitments when they start to go sour. Though you may be able to turn it around, your sacrifice can be great. but if everything should fall apart, you can move on to the next project with no reservations. You know you have given your all.

Advice for the devoted: You must learn to face your problems, especially those involving others. Be more aggressive. Don't close yourself off.

Also born on this day:
Mikhail Gorbachev (last Soviet president) Sam Houston (1st president of Texas Republic) Theodore Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss creator) Kurt weill (German composer Three Penny Opera) Lou Reed (singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer) Tom Wolfe (novelist) John Irving (novelist) Martin Ritt (director) Max Lincoln Schuster (of Simon & Schuster) Jon Bon Jovi (singer, songwriter) Naomi Jones (New Zealand adventurer) Peter Straub (novelist) Juvenal (Roman poet, satirist) Jennifer Jones (actress)