15 Things That Happened 15 Years Ago

Let’s party like it’s 1998.

1. Google was founded.

Yep, that’s right, folks. The world’s most popular search engine was launched 15 years ago. It’s pretty crazy to imagine a life without Google since it’s how we access information online.

Fun fact: Larry Page and Sergey Brin originally named their project “BackRub” because the system checked backlinks to estimate the importance of a site.

Via: blogoscoped.com

2. “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.”

On Dec. 19,1998, Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice. At first he denied his affair with Monica Lewinksy, but eventually fessed up to his inappropriate relationship with his intern. Repercussions included his being impeached and also being the butt of all jizz jokes.

Via: cnn.com

3. The first Apple iMac was introduced.

Remember those colorful bubble desktop computers that were frustratingly slow? Apple’s iMac has certainly improved, but man, that pinwheel of death was the worst.

Via: xtimeline.com

4. “Armageddon” was released, and you will forever associate the “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” song with this movie.

This was hands down one of the best movies of the ’90s. Besides the amazing soundtrack (OK, one song), the movie featured astronauts, explosions, Bruce Willis, and Ben Affleck. Armageddon has also inspired various Foursquare check-ins and Twitter hashtags.

Via: complex.com

5. The Furby became every child’s worst nightmare.

I’m sorry, but why the hell did someone invent this demonic toy? It served no purpose but to creep you out at unexpected moments. The Furby retailed for about $35 and tripled in price for the 1998 holiday season. The worst part is that it was REVIVED in 2012, with digital eyes, no less. Please, end the madness.

Via: fhm.com

6. “Dawson’s Creek” made its TV debut.

The original teen drama, guys! Katie Holmes gave us her terrible rendition of Les Misérables’ “On My Own” while James Van Der Beek blessed us with the amazing cry-face meme. Thanks, Dawson’s Creek.

Via: fulldvdset.com

7. The pop princess gave us “…Baby One More Time”

All hail the Holy Spearit! You know you dreamed of a Britney dance sequence during class after this single was released. Teenyboppers rejoiced at this upcoming artist, and she was a critical asset to every ’90s kid’s childhood. IT’S BRITNEY, BITCH.

Via: last.fm

8. “Total Request Live” was born

Remember that time MTV played music? It was a wonderful feeling to turn on TRL after school and see Carson Daly deliver all the latest music news. I thoroughy enjoyed watching the music-video countdown. Sigh. RIP, TRL.

Via: streetknowledge.files.wordpress.com

9. Animal Kingdom became Disney World’s latest addition.

An amusement park. With rides. And ANIMALS. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest single Disney theme park in the world and features the iconic Tree of Life and the Guinness World Records’ most expensive roller coaster, Expedition Everest.

Via: forbes.com

10. “Seinfeld” came to an end.

The American sitcom lasted nine seasons and is currently in syndication. It was a sad day for some, but there’s a more important issue here. NBC charged over $1 million per minute of advertising space — a mark only previously attained by the Super Bowl.

Via: nickshell1983.wordpress.com

11. The U.S. was spellbound by “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Thank Dumbledore for J.K. Rowling. No other series will ever compete with the magic that is Harry Potter. The world fell so in love with the characters and plotline that it’s become a significant addition to pop culture. I will always love The Boy Who Lived, and you can bet your ass my kids will be required to read these books.

Via: saltmanz.com

12. Brandy and Monica released this masterpiece.

B: Excuse me, can I please talk to you for a minute?
M: Uh huh, sure, you know, you look kinda familiar…
B: Yeah, you do too ,but, umm, I just wanted to know do you know somebody named you, you know his name.
M: Oh, yeah, definitely I know his name.
B: I just wanted to let you know he’s mine.
M: Huh…no no, he’s mine.

Via: filetraffic.eu

13. The world lost the legendary Frank Sinatra.

RIP, Frank. I hope you will be remembered for generations to come.

Via: last.fm

14. Rose McGowan showed up half-naked to the MTV Video Music Awards (NSFW).

Yes, that is Charmed’s Paige Matthews in a poor excuse for an outfit. Rose was then engaged to Marilyn Manson, so I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised by her stringy fashion choice. But jeez, COVER UP.

Via: jeremyriad.com

15. The first portable MP3 player is released.

The MPMan music player debuted in Asia in March 1998, and it was the first mass-produced portable solid state digital audio player. Let’s all take a look at how ginormous this thing is. Times have changed.

Via: blog.paxholley.net