Happy 68th birthday, Muhammad Ali! Jan. 17, 2010.

[Faygo Kid]

I can't believe how important his life has been to me as I approach 60. More than three years and seven months lost from his prime because he was right about the Vietnam War.

He's like the Beatles. When they throw the dirt over us, they matter.

[Greybnk48]

1. Happy Birthday Champ! Couldn't agree more Faygo Kid (I'm 61).

He's a life-changing character in my life as well (as are the Beatles). Glad I can respond to a positive post.

[niyad]

2. happy birthday to one very brave soul.

do you know about the muhammad ali peace institute?

http://louisville.edu/aliinstitute/whatwedo

[Faygo Kid]

9. No, I didn't! How wonderful. I will donate to the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice.

Wow. Thanks for that. What a great site.

[timeforpeace]

3. Happy Birthday to a great, courageous man.

[Odin2005]

4. "I AM THE GREATEST!!!" Happy Birthday!!!

:party:

[Faygo Kid]

5. K&R, because there may not be a 69th.

Oh please. Can we get some comment here?

This guy MATTERS. He always has. I love Ali, and have since I lost 10 cents betting on Liston in seventh grade.

[Journeyman]

6. Some years ago, when Frank Sinatra died, I was getting an oil change . . .

and the TV was tuned to the news. There were maybe four or five other guys in the room, all of us between 35 and 60. At one point, one of those vapid news readers said that Sinatra was probably the most well-known and beloved man on the planet. This helmet head then said, "There's no one else in the world but Sinatra whom, you just say his name, and everyone knows exactly who you mean."

There was a pause in the room after that, as the news reader looked particularly smug with pleasure at his commentary. In the silence, I spoke but two words: "Muhammad Ali."

Everyone of those men smiled as they nodded. Oh yes, that's a name known in the furthest reaches of the planet, on every continent, in every language.

Thanks for the reminder of his special day, Kid. Only one other man born this day means more, at least to me: Benjamin Franklin.

[Faygo Kid]

7. Beautiful. Yes, Frank hit harder than anyone expected.

Ali is going to hit like that, too. I will weep, as I did for Frank.

[NCDem60]

10. All three of the men you mentioned can claim the....

same thing.


I did it my way.

[Gregorian]

8. YES! Happy birthday to Ali and me.

What a great guy to share a birthday with. Right on.

[Festivito]

11. Happy Birthdays.

to The Greatest and Gregorian.

I wish you both well.