Larry Thornberry e-mails a friend about some news that matters:

When I’m abusing time of a morning with “The Tampa Tribune” I often look at the “Today’s Birthdays” feature. I guess it’s a sign of advancing age, but often I don’t recognize a single name on the list. I have to assume these celebrated strangers are rock stars, movie “actors,” or some other species of “celebrity” that the world feels obliged to take note of.

But this morning I was pleased to see a familiar name. Stan Musial is 85 today. Thought you’d like to know. I hope the old boy is healthy, prosperous, and having a great day. (Stan always took care of himself, even after he retired. My guess is he could still loosen up and hit a few ropes.) Hope you are too.