Peace and Love, from Ringo to the World

Today is the 70th birthday of Richard Starkey, a.k.a. Ringo Starr. One could say he's had a pretty successful life: fame and fortune as drummer with The Beatles, successful solo recording and acting careers, even marrying a "Bond girl" (Barbara Bach). So whenever he's asked what he wants for his birthday, his answer is simple: "Peace and Love".

As explained on his website, each year on his birthday (July 7, or "the seventh day of the seventh month", as he explains in Muddy Waters fashion), Ringo asks people to flash peace signs at 12:00 noon, local time wherever they are, and say "Peace and love". If enough people do this each year, he figures, maybe we'll actually get it.

Ringo seems to be echoing the sentiments of a former bandmate from Liverpool, who asked us to "Give Peace A Chance" and reminded us that "All You Need Is Love". It certainly seems to be what the world needs now.

So here goes:

PEACE AND LOVE

Happy birthday, Ringo.