Why was the computer “blissful”? Because Windows XP arrived with that famous green hill wallpaper, and for five minutes, the PC didn’t crash. Part of… Read More »2001 Legacy: The XP Launch

Why were the kids climbing the doorframes? Because the trailer for the 2002 movie just dropped, and everyone wanted to practice their “web-slinging” fingers. Part… Read More »2001 Legacy: Spider-Man (The Hype)

Why was the mood so dramatic? Because the song was everywhere, and Dad felt like a “hero” just for carrying the 20-pound bird to the… Read More »2001 Legacy: Enrique Iglesias’s “Hero”

Why was the dinner timed so strictly? Because Dad was obsessed with Jack Bauer and insisted that every course be served in “real-time” with a… Read More »2001 Classic: The 24 (TV Show)

Why was the uncle “thumb-typing”? Because he had a device that let him work while eating, making him the first “always-on” casualty of the 21st… Read More »2001 Legacy: The Blackberry (The Blue Screen)

Why was Aunt Susan looking for “symbols” in the cranberry sauce? Because the thriller genre was exploding, and she was sure the Pilgrims left a… Read More »2001 Vintage: The Da Vinci Code (Book)

Why was the kitchen so theatrical? Because “Lady Marmalade” was on repeat, and the sisters were convinced they were in a Parisian cabaret. Part of… Read More »2001 Archive: The “Moulin Rouge” Medley

Why did that one phone have a full keyboard? Because texting was becoming so popular that people were willing to carry a “brick with buttons”… Read More »2001 Classic: The Nokia 5510

Why was the cousin wearing a wig? Because Jennifer Garner made being a double agent look cool, and she was “undercover” to find the hidden… Read More »2001 Classic: Alias

Why was the turkey green? It wasn’t—Mom just got too inspired by Jim Carrey’s makeup and decided the whole dinner needed a “Whoville” aesthetic. Part… Read More »2000 Archive: How the Grinch Stole Christmas