Then (1953) and Now (2010)

Yesterday I posted that my parents were celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary, having married in 1953. That got me thinking about all of the changes they have seen in those year. Here are just a few:

• In 1953, when Sir Edmund Hilary and sherpa Tenzing Norgay summited Mount Everest, it took four days for the news to reach London. In 2010, when sherpa Ang Dorjee reached the summit for the 14th time, the news was posted on the internet within seconds and he talked to his wife via satellite phone within five minutes.
• The cost of a first class stamp in 1953 was $0.03; in 2010, it is $0.44.
• In 1953, Ian Fleming published his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale. In 2010, the 23rd Bond film will be released with Bond portrayed by the sixth actor to play the character.
• The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, then age 27, took place in 1953; in 2010, she has ruled for 58 years and is 84 years old.
• In 1953, a gallon of gas cost $0.20; in 2010, the average cost for a gallon of gas is $2.84.
• Bill Gates was born in 1953; in 2010, his company, Microsoft, is king and his net worth is $53 billion.
• Speaking of kings, in 1953 Elvis Presley graduated from high school and walked into the offices of Sun Records to make a recording; in 2010, Lady Gaga is king (or queen if you prefer).

Most importantly, in 1953 my folks were newly married and expecting their first child; in 2010, they have 6 children and 16 grandchildren!