You say it's your birthday

Guess who will close the show, performing last at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics in London. It will be the birthday boy himself, Sir Paul McCartney, who turns 70 today. His is the face the United Kingdom wants to show when the whole world is watching because he represents, as the Fleet Street press has dubbed him, "The Very Best of Britain."

Certainly the metrics support this. According to the Guiness Book of Records, he is the most successful composer and recording artist of all time. An asteroid has been named in his honor. In 2010 he was awarded the Gershwin Award by President Barack Obama. He is, of course, a knight. His personal wealth is estimated to be $735,000,000.

Enjoy your birthday, My Liege. You deserve to rest on your laurels, but you won't. You have worked hard since you were 14 years old, but have always made it look like play. You have brought millions of us joy. Your dedication to your craft and your family are an inspiration.

To borrow a phrase, "It's been a wonderful life." Happy birthday and many, many, many more.