Eight Fifteen Ninety-Four

Eight Fifteen Ninety-Four

August 15, 1994.

The 90’s. It’s a decade most people make an effort to forget rather than remember. A time of bad music, bad fashion, and bad boy/bad girl attitudes. Okay, I recant the part about bad music. Who doesn’t love jamming out to Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca”, “...Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, or anything Dave Matthews? Am I right?... Anyways, the 90’s weren't that bad. This day in particular was special, and known as (at least to those closest to me) the day I popped out blue eyed and screaming. There weren't too many exciting things happening around the world on that day. However, there are a few noteworthy things that were, and are important to me. Let’s check them out.

Weather

Now, I was born in Dallas TX and for it being the middle of August, it was quite cool out! A nice 86 degrees that day. I’d like to think that it could represent how cool I am. Or, you know, how cool I wish I was? In any case, quite a nice day!

 Weather History for KDAL - August, 1994. (n.d.).

News

The image below is part of the cover page of The New York Times on August 15th, 1994. Just because I was born in Dallas doesn’t mean there wasn’t news elsewhere! The front page of this paper covers several news stories! Haitians were hiding out in safe houses. Check forgers were exploiting desktop publishers. And apparently there was a discussion about the legal and ethical dilemmas in selling growth hormones for children. It’s an interesting view outside of my own city.

(1994, August 15). The New York Times, pp. 1-48.

Music

Music has played a major part in my life. It has been an escape, a comforter, and a companion at times. I have always had a deep appreciation for the art of music. This might be one of the reasons I was sorely disappointed when I saw that the number one song in America from August 6 to August 20 was “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb. It was so close to being “I Swear” by All-4-One, or “I’ll Make Love To You” by Boyz To Men! Two love anthems that would have been so much better than “Stay (I Missed You)”. Who knows, maybe it embodies who I am more than I think it does. Anyways, here’s a golden nugget of a gift for you.

 Lisa Loeb "Stay (I Missed You)" Music Video.

Movies

My brother and I have been pretty big movie fanatics since we were young. Any time we get together we watch a new movie, or re-watch an old one we love. There were two major films that were popular around August 15th ‘94. The first is The LIttle Rascals; known as a fun loving family film telling the story of young children and their silly antics. The Little Rascals was showing in theatres on my birthday. However, parents said I was too young to see it.

The second, and immensely more important is Disney’s great Lion King. Arguably the number one Disney movie ever made, it is an epic story about a sacrificial father, a lost son who returns to save his people, and friendship that lasts forever. No, it’s not as cheesy as it sounds, but yes, it is as heart-warming. The Lion King was released in theatres three days after I was born, in Norway that is. This is, without a doubt, close enough to my birthday to justify it being an important part of my birth week. I will remain in my heart as the Disney film ever created.

Photography

When I was young I was into photography. Capturing moments, no matter how blurry they are was a hobby of mine. I was given a fairly cheap Nikon camera. I took a look at a Popular Photography magazine issue published in August of ‘94. I found a Nikon advertisement and the camera to the left reminded me of the one I had when I was young. I am definitely thankful for digital, but there is something quite nostalgic about old school film.

(1994, August). Popular Photography, 58(8), 0-164.

Old movies, old, music, and old film, it’s all old news really. (Double entendres intended.) Especially from the 90’s, a pretty silly era. But being born on August 15th, 1994 has lead to 21 good years. I’ve been blessed in a lot of ways, health, family, friends, and strong community. I’m thankful to be a 90’s baby. No matter how ashamed I should be…

Sources:

Weather History for KDAL - August, 1994. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from https://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KDAL/1994/8/15/DailyHistory.html?req_city=Dallas

The Hot 100 - 1994 Archive | Billboard Charts Archive. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from http://www.billboard.com/archive/charts/1994/hot-100

(1994, August). Popular Photography, 58(8), 0-164.

L. (2010). Lisa Loeb "Stay (I Missed You)" Music Video. Retrieved April 12, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9HGwRbMiVY

(1994, August 15). The New York Times, pp. 1-48.