Let's make this birthday one to remember.

71 years old (Born on November 28, 1953)

Happy Birthday, Alistair Darling! You've navigated Parliament since 1987 with the calm composure of someone who knows exactly how to handle a financial crisis—or at least look convincingly unruffled while doing so. Your steady hand during turbulent economic times and your leadership in the Better Together campaign proved that even politics can occasionally be about unity (who knew?).

Here's hoping your birthday celebrations are as successful as keeping Scotland part of Britain—though perhaps slightly less stressful. May you enjoy cake that's fiscally responsible yet generously iced, surrounded by friends whose debates remain refreshingly civil. Cheers to another year!