Last Saturday I turned 50. Though I don’t put a lot of stock in birthdays, they do provide an opportunity for reflection, especially when they end in zero. A half of a century is a long time to take up space on the planet. Lots of things have changed in my lifetime.

Seven days before I was born, the first frisbee was produced by Wham-O. A few hours after I was born, Dwight Eisenhower began his second term as President of the USA. Jimmy Hoffa was apprehended by the FBI a few months later and Elliot Ness died of a heart attack. Bob Cousy led the Celtics to their first NBA championship.

Family and friends have made sure that my 50th birthday is memorable.