It's My Birthday and the lady in the picture isn't me, she just shares my birthday!

I ask your forbearance for a moment as I consider that today I complete my 49th year of life and begin my march toward 50. To think that a year from now I'll hit the half century mark is a bit disconcerting, but I'll make it. Many have gone before me and done just fine.

If I had a digitized picture of my baby days I'd show it to you, but I don't, so you'll have to go without!

Not wanting to celebrate alone I looked up who shared my day. There aren't as many big names on the list as I had hoped, but there are a few. For instance: George Pullman of train fame was born in 1831 and Alexander Graham Bell was born on this date in 1847. I shall use my phone today in his honor. Mr. Scott, James Doohan, was born in 1920 and Perry Ellis, the designer, in 1940.

Now Miranda Richardson, the British actress pictured here, was born the same day as me -- March 3, 1958 -- back during the Eisenhower administration.

Then there a couple of athletes -- Jackie Joyner Kersee and Herschel Walker both born in 1962.

Being a Time Magazine subscriber -- I can announce that it was founded on this date in 1931, the same day that the Star Spangled Banner was made our national anthem. And of course one can't forget that Fleetwood Mac recorded Rumours on this date in 1976 -- the year I graduated from High School.

Finally, if I lived in Malawi, I would be observing Martyr's Day. I think not!