Did you know Steve Forbes and I have something in common? The former presidential candidate and I both favor a national flat tax. He’s a publisher and so am I, although I admit his magazine (Forbes) has a much bigger circulation than my newspaper. He’s a Republican and I’m a Republican.

But the thing that amazes thing is he was born on July 18, 1947, the same day as me. Yes, I turned 70 yesterday.

I don’t want to jinx myself, but I haven’t had a fall since the day after Christmas in Las Vegas. I’m either being extra careful or I’m having better luck since then. Then again it was most likely the therapy class I took at the Mayo Clinic, or it’s the exercise class I am taking from Cindy Holliday twice a week at TruFit Studios.

The comparisons between Steve Forbes and myself got me curious about what else happened in 1947 and more specifically on July 18th. Other famous people with a July 18th birthday are U.S.Senator and Astronaut John Glenn, TV host Art Linkletter, Virgin Records and Airlines entrepreneur Richard Branson.

South African President Nelson Mandela, professional golfer Nick Faldo, and author Jane Austin.

Here’s a bit of trivia about someone born on July 18th.

Famous gangster George “Machine Gun” Kelly was born on July 18th, 1896 and died on July 18th 1954. He died of a heart attack while serving a life term for one of the many crimes he committed.

July 18th is the 199th day of the year.

As for the cost of living in 1947, the average cost of a new house was $6,600. The average wage was $2,850 per year. The average cost of a new car was $1,300.

1947 was a big year for news. Here are some of the highlights.

The International Monetary Fund began operation.

The UFO phenomena took off when a crash of an alien space ship was reportedly found near Roswell, New Mexico.

India and Pakistan gained their independence from Great Britain.

The Polaroid camera was first demonstrated.

The transistor was invented, giving portability to the radio and telephone.

The United Nations voted in favor of the creation of an independent Jewish State of Israel.

The only flight of Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose took place. It was the largest plane ever built.

Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier.

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Mine isn’t the only birthday in July in our family.

Daughter Toni was here early last week with husband Jason and son Camden from Las Vegas to celebrate her 35th on the 10th. Her son, Camden, (He is our three-year-old miracle baby who had to have his heart re-built when he was four months old.) He was something to see, when Diane brought the cake out with all the lighted candles on it. His eyes were wide open and he began singing the birthday song. He no sooner got through singing and then he told his mom. ”Make a wish, mommy, make a wish.”

Finally, it’s a big happy birthday to my wife, Diane. She turned 64 on Sunday.

And yes, I got permission to say that. She looks so good that she is often referred to as my daughter!