We’re 15 this year, and to celebrate we’re doing monthly flashbacks to pop culture 15 years ago. Strap in for a ride back to August 1999, when a total solar eclipse, M. Night Shyamalan, and Christina Aguilera captured the world’s attention.
1. I See Twist Endings!
In August 1999, The Sixth Sense was released in theaters, and its twist ending shocked everyone.
2. Goodbye Mystery Science Theater 3000
Mystery Science Theater 3000 ended its ten year run in August 1999.
3. Goodbye Boris Yeltsin’s Entire Cabinet Again
Boris Yeltsin fired his entire cabinet for the fourth time in August 1999. Firing his entire cabinet had become Yetlsin’s “thing.”
4. The Golden Shoed Blur
Michael Johnson captured the 400 M. world record.
5. Pop Domination
Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle” held down the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 all month long.
6. Reality TV Gets Healthier
The Discovery Health Channel debuted in August 1999.
7. Who Doesn’t Want to Be a Millionaire?
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire debuted on ABC after premiering in the U.S.A. in January. It became a huge hit.
8. Total Eclipse of the Sun
A total solar eclipse occurred. Remember that? Here’s a video that will job your memory.
9. Kids TV Commercials
Here are some captured commercials aired on Nick Jr. in August 1999. (I remember some of these.)
10. Sarah Michelle Gellar wins a Teens Choice Award
Here’s a video in which Sarah Michelle Gellar steals a Teen Choice Award from under Jennifer Love Hewitt’s nose. The look on Love Hewitt’s face is priceless.
11. Hilarity
An extremely ridiculous comedy called Bowfinger, starring Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy, hit theaters in August 1999. Admission: I love this movie.
12. Catastrophe Constrained
Some crazy gusts of wind caused a jetliner to crash at the airport in Hong Kong in August 1999. By the time the plane had stopped rolling, it was on fire, upside down, had a wing ripped off from the fuselage, and yet the entire crew and all but three of the passengers survived.
13. Tori Amos on Letterman
Check out still-popular Tori Amos shredding the piano and vocals on David Letterman in August 1999.
14. Steve Not Famous Yet
Steve Carrell was still just an unknown anchor on The Daily Show.
15. Tornado in Downtown Salt Lake City
An F-2 hurricane ripped through downtown Salt Lake City in August 1999. See it here.