Whether it's another commercial-free '70s rock block on the radio or '80s night at XS, people love to celebrate decades past, and I can dig that.
But some decades don't receive nearly as much attention as others. The most egregious crime of this nature is the appalling lack of love for the '90s, despite the fact that most of us spent a good portion of our formative years in that decade.
So let's turn the clock back - not too far - and consider those ten magical years. I know some of you may not yet be sold on the '90s, so I've prepared a brief, completely unbiased compare-and-contrast between that glorious decade and our stupid current one.
Music then: First, let me acknowledge the fact that I consider '90s alternative rock the sweetest sound to ever grace my ears. '90s alt-rock is emotionally raw and often very simple - mmm, just how I like my women. But the '90s also provided grunge, the best of gangster rap and the end of hair metal. Sure, teeny-pop music and awful new rock started to pervade the airwaves near the turn of the century, but I will ignore that fact because I can.
Music today: Sucks. In all fairness, however, I only listened to "Buzz Ballads" before I decided nothing could be as good.
Winner: The '90s by way of knockout - i.e., "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors.
Movies then: The '90s really kicked moviegoers' asses, especially as far as blockbusters go - "Jurassic Park," "Terminator 2," "The Rock" - the list goes on. Hell, the president even flies a fighter jet in "Independence Day." Kick ass!
Movies now: Apparently, our president actually landed a jet on the deck of some aircraft carrier. In real life! Damn, that's awesome.
Winner: Despite the lack of aliens killed by Bush, the '00s by way of ridiculous reality. Mission accomplished.
Politics then: Judging by the intense media coverage at the cost of all else for several years, it seems the most pressing political concern of the decade was who blew Bill Clinton. I can live with that. President seems like a stressful job; let him blow some steam off - well, have it blown off.
Politics now: After eight years of making it unsafe for me to travel abroad for fear of being derided, beaten with shoes or dragged through the streets, he's almost gone. Too bad the current election contest more strongly resembles "Dumb and Dumberest: Harry and Lloyd do Washington" than a serious choice between two qualified non-idiots.
Winner: The '90s by way of stained blue dress.
Well, the list could go on, but I think you get the idea: The '90s were sweeter than a Danny Wuerffel touchdown pass.
Devin Culclasure is a senior majoring in journalism.
