Why does StarTribune.com look like this?

Are you suddenly curious about things you didn't even notice yesterday? Do you feel like confiding in perfect strangers just to see what they might have to say? The Gemini moon is a chatty influence that extols the virtues of small talk. What you learn in passing might be the key you've been waiting for to unlock a beautiful future.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you do not want to carry water for people who are less alert than yourself, finish (or take) the course you are considering. The investment puts you in a better bargaining position.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Keep that sparkling optimism. Today you may be solitary, but because you are a diamond, being solitary is okay. Feeling perfectly happy without just cause is fine! It could even attract a band of gold.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Reflect on your long ago created wish list. Your resourcefulness has enabled you to accomplish much. But it is time to update your list. Scrap outmoded ideas and create new dreams that fit the newly evolved you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Passive-aggressive behavior is difficult to spot at first, but you've become a pro. Back away from those who have consistently shown they approach life from a somewhat negative standpoint. Wish them well, but move on.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Good health is just one benefit of your good-natured temperament. Give those around you a chance to follow your lead. By taking time to teach through example, they learn how to better care for themselves.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JANUARY 8). It's a purposeful year. You start with one important decision and the high-level action commences. You don't wait for all the information to come in — it never will. You handle the problems as they arise and with a steady gait you get to the glory land. Loved ones rely on your leadership. May brings sweet romance. Scorpio and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 2, 10, 31 and 14.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You could willingly agree to return to a situation you were once uncomfortable in, which is a testament to your character. You get to see how much you've grown, and you also get a chance to have a new experience.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Someone has a large presence in your life but doesn't understand this. When this person is unhappy, it impacts you. And the things he or she says also matter a great deal to you. It's about time you told this person how you feel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.

21). Your sweet demeanor is not an act; although, it's not the only side of you. Someone gets a taste of your saltier edge this afternoon and as a result your wishes will be quickly respected.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There's finally the chance to confront that domestic issue that's been irritating you. Express yourself and the problem is solved. The memory of it will mysteriously disappear like socks in the dryer.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Oh, sweet inspiration! It's one of those ideas that you'll lose if you talk about. Not because someone will steal it, but because there is a certain romance there that will get spoiled when it hits the air. Write it out in a journal.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have special charisma that turns on when you're around certain people. They need you in person. Instead of sitting down to make a call or send an e-mail, stand up and go to the world.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Small exchanges matter a great deal. You understand this and that gives you an edge. Casual meetings have value. The pleasantries you generously dole, even to strangers, make a difference.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm interested in a person born on Dec. 1, 1955. Do you think he'll be a suitable match for me? I was born Aug. 1, 1960. I have several choices I could possibly date, but no one seems very interesting to me but he. And I'm not sure if he would be good for the long term or not."

I get from your natal chart that you are the kind of Leo woman who is so hard to dissuade when it comes to dating that it doesn't matter what another person says about your love life, you just have to find out for yourself. Anyhow, it's not like you to speculate this much. I sense that you think something is off with this match, but you simply have to find out what it is before you can really move on. So action is the cure for your lovesick heart. Figure out fast what is drawing you into this Sagittarian's world — beside the fact that he is provocative, charismatic and has, at least on paper, a lot of what you're looking for in a mate. If there is a missing link to this puzzle, the information will be revealed before the vernal equinox on March 20.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: World-renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking is one of the great geniuses of our time whose theories have altered the path of scientific thought and study. This Capricorn with Mercury in the sign of tremendous fortitude is also admired for living beyond the physical limits of ALS disease and inventing ways of dealing with paralysis that have helped those in similar straits.

If you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Holiday Mathis page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.