Cultural historian Christopher Cook says the fundamental change is that these celebrations used to be family affairs, private and inward-looking.

BBC: Why has everything become a costly milestone event?

Christopher Cook, a spokesman for the registry, declined to comment further.

CNN: SHARE THIS

The achievements of trailblazers like Vasco da Gama, James Cook or Christopher Columbus can never be surpassed, so some might argue that real explorers are a thing of the past... adrenalin junkies with nothing left to search for?

CNN: Quest for exploration

Christopher Dodd, the Connecticut Democrat, is trying to cook up a comprehensive bill he will introduce all at once.

FORBES: Financial Reform: The Legislative Logjam