Happy Birthday Chuck

You learn some interesting things when you read the paper. Mulch from my home state of Louisiana is under quarantine, Augusta's local music scene is experiencing a renaissance (even though many don't know it), it is actually possible for two people to eat for less than $10 and today is Carlos Ray Norris's birthday (known to most of you as Chuck Norris). If you scroll down to the bottom of the story you will see that today Mr. Norris celebrates 66 years of laying the smack down.

For those of you that don't know, Norris was, and in many ways still is, a bad man. He is one of those rare action stars that can actually beat you up. Norris has black belts in the Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do, both Korean fighting arts. He has also held won several martial arts championships and was the Professional World Middleweight Karate Champion from 1968 through 1974. And just so you know, he wasn't beaten…he retired. That's right, Norris got tired beating dudes up.

Norris was encouraged to get into acting by Steve McQueen, one of his students. His work was never Oscar caliber but his surplus of butt kicking skills has always made up for lack of acting skills.

Don't think he is tough? Watch Return of the Dragon (a.k.a. Meng long guojiang) then come back and talk to me. I don't care how old he is, any man that can go toe to toe with Bruce Lee is not a man that you want to mess with.

Norris has legions of fans, I like to refer to them as "Chuckoholics", and they are not shy about expressing their admiration for him. One of the best tributes out, Top 100 Facts for Chuck Norris, can tell you things about him that will bring new meaning to the term shock and awe. Read it and be amazed.

If that is not enough for you check out this clip of Norris in action on Walker Texas Ranger and see how he handles sensitive issues.

Happy Birthday Chuck. Here's wishing you many more years of stone-faced butt kicking.

Watch the Video: Conan O'Brien's tribute to Chuck Norris in Walker Texas Ranger