Reflections

Yep,  it's true.  Today is my birthday.  I am now "officially" older than dirt.  59.  Wow.  Sounds ancient.  Gee, I remember when I heard someone was 30, I thought they were elderly and should be put in a home.  Now I am 59. 
I have been playing around on the computer and have come up with some interesting facts concerning the year of our lord, 1952.  After you read this, you will understand this next statement.
This is my last old person birthday.  Beginning tomorrow, I am going backwards.  Next year, on April 23, 2012...I will be turning 21.  Yes, you read that right...21. 
I thought of going all the way back to the age of  16, but did not want to push my luck.  (Shame on you for thinking that I should go back further as I  don't act like a normal adult anyway.)
Now, let me assure you that I am not saying that my 59 years have been bad.  They haven't been.  I am just saying that 59 sounds old.  I don't feel like I am 59.  I don't think I act like I am 59 (be nice!) I sure hope I don't look like I am 59.  So why be 59?  21 is a good year.
Here are some highlights of what 1952 produced.  I have not put them in any particular order, but let's not forget that the most wonderful thing happened in 1952.   Mr. Potato Head was born!  Yes..It is true...I am the same age as Mr. Potato Head.

• Mad Magazine was first published
• Mrs. Paul's introduced frozen Fish Sticks (used to love those things with lemon juice and miracle whip)
• Kentucky Fried Chicken opened it's first restaurant. (please bear with me as I dream of a box of extra crispy wings.  sigh)
• Birdseye introduced the very first package of frozen peas
• Holiday Inn opened and thus began Americans obsession with taking home hotel towels
• Sugar Frosted Flake cereal was put on Americans tables for the first time.  And why not...after all...they are GREAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!
• Sony introduced the first pocket-size transistor radio
• Ban Roll on deodorant was put on the drug store shelves
• "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway was published

Movies were a HUGE thing in 1952.  After all, TV was in its infancy.  However, 1952 saw the beginning of movie attendance declining as TV;s began popping up in peoples homes.

• "The Greatest Show on Earth" was produced by Cecil B. DeMille
• "African Queen" starring Katherine Hepburn and Bogie
• "Son of Pale Face" starring the movie idol...Bob Hope
• "Singing in the Rain"
• Abbot and Costello starring in Jack and the Beanstalk
• And Last, but certainly not least.  That Christmas Classic (drum roll please)  Pluto's Christmas Tree

Radio shows were still going strong.  One of the most popular was "Gunsmoke".  You know...Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty.  There is a little twist though.  Sheriff Matt Dillon was played by William Conrad. Better know as Cannon

Television was still the new kid on the block. Heck, most folks didn't own a TV in 1952.  If you were lucky enough to have a TV, it was Black and White with NO remote control.  There were only 3 channels (if the clouds weren't too thick and messed with the reception)

• The Today Show premiered
• Death Valley Days  was first seen
• American Bandstand starring Dick Clark began it's long run

How much did things cost in 1952?

• A gallon of gas was $0.20
• A new car was $1700.00
• A new home cost $9050.0
• Average monthly rent was $80.00
• A pound of hamburger cost $0.53
• The average American earned $ 3850.00 yearly

Yup...1952 was a banner year.  I am glad I was born in 1952.  I am thrilled  to be alive in 2011.
I am so happy to have been a witness to so many wonderful things during my 59 years, but I am sticking to my guns...next year I will turn 21!!