Harry Houdini born on this day in 1874, was the greatest magician and escape artist of all time. His real name was Ehrich Weiss, and his parents brought him from Budapest to the U.S. in his infancy. Houdini began his career as an 8-year-old trapeze performer, but would become world-famous for his astounding ability to extricate himself from handcuffs, ropes, locked trunks, and bonds of any sort. At one time he had himself tied and then locked in a packing case, which was bound with steel tape and dropped into the harbor off the Battery in New York City. Houdini appeared on the surface of the water in 59 seconds. Unlike many magicians, Houdini would often explain how many of his tricks were performed, and he specialized in exposing the frauds of spiritualistic mediums by producing "spiritualistic" phenomena of his own that he explained in nonmystical, physical terms. Before he died, Houdini arranged a definitive test of spiritualism. He devised a ten-word code that he would communicate to his wife, if possible, within ten years after his death. After he died, various mediums maintained that they were able to establish contact with him, but none was able to transmit to his wife the prearranged code. He left his library of magic, one of the most valuable in the world, to the Library of Congress. A selection of his writings, Houdini on Magic, appeared posthumously in 1954.

MODEL: Houdini's skepticism. We could all do with a touch of skepticism these days, especially those of us who are at all religious. There's too damn much certainty in most religions. (The saints preserve us from displaying it here, in the First Electronic Church of America.)

Straight forward. If you were born on March 24, you are unpretentious and direct, preferring to keep life simple. Ruled by the number 6 and the planet Venus, you enjoy romance but prefer it affectionate, not overly passionate.

A childlike openness. When problems arise at work or home, you tend to make broad idealistic choices and ignore details that would tie you up. But fate throws complex people and challenges at you again and again. Your naivete and high expectations may leave you very disappointed from rejection, and, in extreme cases, depression can overwhelm you.

Speak softly. You are a quiet, modest person, preferring to express yourself physically in sports, hobbies or your work. You make a good partner at home and work, seldom causing conflicts and always producing admirable results without much fanfare.

But carry a big stick. Though shy and reserved, you are not an easy mark like some would assume. When opposition rears its ugly head, you have the guts to stand up for yourself. You are the king or queen of your own domain, insisting things be done your way at home. Your foes would probably have more success wearing you down a little at a time.

Some Advice : for a simple life, Be realistic in your approach to life's problems. Don't gloss over the details, attend to them with care and caution.

Also born on this day:
William Morris (British poet, artist) Joseph Priestly (discovered oxygen) John Wesley Powell (native American authority) Steve McQueen (actor) Fatty Arbuckle (silent film actor) Thomas E. Dewey (presidential candidate vs. Truman) Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie & Clyde) Pat Bradley (woman golf champ) Lawrence Ferlinghetti (beat poet, artist) Malcolm Muggeridge (British writer) Bob Mackie (costume, fashion designer)