On this day forty-six years ago, a scrawny, bald headed, and very pink baby boy was brought screaming into this world. I say screaming because apparently, I began crying shortly after I was born and that continued for the next year or so with little relief for my parents. It’s been suggested that I had migraines even back then, but I’m not going to think about that today. Today is a day of celebration. 🎉
My birthday hasn’t been a big event for me in years for a number of reasons, and these days, I’m just happy to still be alive on this earth. I have to go to work this morning (I usually take my birthday off, as is a tradition with people at my museum), but I have a class to teach this morning, so I’m working until noon and then heading home. I’m also taking tomorrow as a vacation day.
Other than possibly going to dinner with a friend tomorrow night, I probably won’t do anything special. Besides, I doubt anything will ever top my forty-second birthday in 2019. That year, I spent several days in Manhattan visiting my friend Susan. We had Thanksgiving dinner together, and for my birthday, she took me to see Chicago (a personal favorite of mine) on Broadway. It was no doubt the most special birthday I’ve ever had.
That same trip, I got to see and actually go inside the famous/historic Stonewall Inn. 🏳️🌈 This photo is one of my favorites not only because Joe Coffee is on Gay Street, but Gay Street also crosses Christopher Street, where the Stonewall Inn is.
What has been your favorite birthday memory?
Joe
The Closet Professor 
November 30th, 2023 at 6:17 am
Happy Birthday!
November 30th, 2023 at 6:20 am
Thank you.
November 30th, 2023 at 6:37 am
Happy birthday Joe, and may very many more follow this one.
My birthday parties are rather special. They are held in my house and clothing is discouraged. All guests bring booze and food. At half time we cut the birthday cakes (cakes cos there are very many guests); we open chilled fizz and sing and toast absent friends. I won’t expand on what else goes on!
November 30th, 2023 at 6:41 am
Thank you. I want to come to your birthday party. While spending an evening with Isabella will be nice, yours sounds more fun.
November 30th, 2023 at 7:13 am
Joe that’s very kind! And of course you’d be most welcome. The guests are a very mixed bunch of many nationalities. I have even had Mongolia and Nepal.
Some will be discussing new plays in the West End or the future of the Elgin Marbles. Others will be in the chambre noir engaged in less erudite activities.
But please do not emulate two boring accountants. They spent most of the party in a huddle in a corner discussing the excitements of capital gains tax exemptions. They did not receive a second invitation.
November 30th, 2023 at 8:01 am
The future of the Elgin Marbles is a discussion I could really get into. I taught about them this semester, and working at a museum, it’s a major debate in the museum field as to whether things should be returned or not. Regardless, I’m sure I’d enjoy your party, and since I know nothing about capital gains, there’s not worry there. 😂
November 30th, 2023 at 11:34 am
There are separate legal problems with the Marbles as well as politics. The British Museums Act 1963 specifically prohibits the BM and the Natural History Museum from parting with their assets.
Indeed, in a case in 2005, the BM made an application to court to hand Nazi looted Old Masters that had come into their possession back to the the family. The application was refused outright and the QC making the application received a chastisement from the judge for suggesting that it could be otherwise.
November 30th, 2023 at 1:56 pm
It’s definitely a complicated issue. Greece believes, or at least hopes, they will get them back considering they’ve already built a museum to house them that currently hold replicas of the Marbles. The Elgin Marbles are a part of a lecture I do about Cultural Heritage Protection.
November 30th, 2023 at 9:04 am
Happy Birthday! 🥳 I hope you have a magnificent day celebrating YOU, with much joy and good food with friends.
I loved getting to see and visit Stonewall last year. As for a favorite birthday, probably being with friends while living in Seattle. The meal, the laughter, drinks and dancing made the day! The Unicorn 🦄 Bar added to a night of fun!
November 30th, 2023 at 10:34 am
Thanks, Steve.
November 30th, 2023 at 10:34 am
Happy birthday
November 30th, 2023 at 10:34 am
Thanks, Michael.
November 30th, 2023 at 10:51 am
Happy Birthday! 🎂
November 30th, 2023 at 1:56 pm
Thanks, Tom.
November 30th, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Hippo birdie two ewe!
November 30th, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Thanks, David.
November 30th, 2023 at 7:07 pm
Happy Birthday! We are blessed to have you in our lives, even if it is online. Enjoy #46 (you’re still young).
I went to the Stonewall Inn and enjoyed it. I didn’t go on a weekend night so I missed out on the fun.
November 30th, 2023 at 7:40 pm
Thank you, Rob. We went on a weekday so it was mostly just dark and empty.
November 30th, 2023 at 9:05 pm
Here’s wishing you the happiest birthday ever Joe, even better than the 42nd. I only celebrate mine once per year these days. I’d love to attend the party as I’m constantly dressed as you are but some might be boring as I’d be doing coke or cranberry juice rather than the jizz i mean fizz. Given mention of marbles, I often lose mine. I’ve got to get back to any of the local museums such as the Dali in St. Petersburg which is marvelous.
November 30th, 2023 at 9:48 pm
Thanks, iameverywhere1.