Showing posts with label birthdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthdays. Show all posts

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Two Two

Another milestone in my life gets underway at 12:00 a.m. tomorrow. Next to New Year's Day and Christmas, a birthday is perhaps the most significant celebration of one's life. A reflection of the past year gives way to a premise to the future. No wonder you blow candles and make wishes for the year ahead, then grab a slice of cake and consume them. A birthday celebration can either be a simple or an elaborate celebration. Either way, it's still a day to remember, a milestone that only occurs once a year.

The number 22 holds a lot of significance in pop culture. The Hebrew alphabet contains 22 letters, while the Book of Revelation in the Bible has 22 chapters. Clyde Drexler, Jim Palmer, Elgin Baylor, and Mike Bossy were among the famous athletes who wore 22 and retired them in their honor. In case you don't know, Jordin Tootoo of the Nashville Predators wears No. 22 in reference to his last name. The Paramount Films logo has 22 stars enclosing it, while 22 episodes make up a season in a television program, which in turn the running time for each episode is 22 minutes without commercials.

So my thoughts before turning this number run deep. More than just a simple significance, it's a milestone that turns a new page. A new beginning ensues, and high hopes will be raised. Time to turn a new chapter. 22, here I come.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Larry Bird at 55

Today, December 7, marks the 55th birthday of Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird. Bird, now the Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations, played 13 seasons with the Celtics from 1979-1992 and won three NBA titles in 1981, 1984 and 1986. He is also a three-time MVP winner from 1984-1986, as well as a three-time three-point shootout champion from 1986-1988. He was selected to virtually every all-star game and won the ASG MVP in 1982, not to mention hit the first all-star three-pointer in 1980. Bird was also rookie of the year in 1980, as well as a ten-time all-NBA and three-time all-defensive selection. Selected as one of the 50 greatest NBA players, Bird would be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. That same year, he won coach of the year while coaching his hometown Pacers. In a three season tenure from 1997-2000, he would lead them to the conference finals each time, reaching the NBA Finals in 2000. The 2011-12 season will be the ninth in his current front-office position with the Pacers. Happy birthday to one of the greatest Celtics ever.