Thursday, February 4, 2010

Your Burning Children of the 90s Questions Answered!



I've got to say, this has been a lot of fun. I love writing Children of the 90s, but I don't get a lot of opportunities to interact with readers. You all came up with some great questions, many of which had me pacing and deliberating over responses. I mean, really, how does one choose between JTT and Devon Sawa? It's a dilemma that might exceed the reach of even my 90s imagination. A quandry for the ages.

I powered through the tough ones, though, to answer all your burning questions. Well, maybe burning isn't the right word. If it applies to anything you asked, I'd recommend your question sees a doctor immediately. Anyway, if anyone else has any questions or suggestions for posts, feel free to email me at childrenofthe90s@gmail.com. Thanks everyone for your great questions and kind comments and I'm looking forward to bringing you plenty more nostalgic pop culture entertainment in the coming months. I'm also scouting for some exciting giveaway prizes, so keep your eyes out for some forthcoming 90s swag.

Without further ado, your answers:


Shannon asks, "Do you have any nostalgic collections?"

I'll be straight with you, this one isn't mine, it's from Google images. Impressive, though, right?

I used to, which I guess would mean that collections themselves were not nostalgic at the time but rather that I'm nostalgic for them now. I used to collect troll dolls. I had a pretty massive collection, but I imagine most of them have gone the way of the yard sale or the Goodwill collection. I'm still kicking myself for not saving my well-maintained pog collection. I'm not sure what I'd use them for now, but I do sort of miss them.

Now that I think about it, I do have one small collection that pays homage to my childhood: my much-glorified Golden Girls DVDs. Yep, I've got Seasons 1-7, and I watch it everyday while I get ready for work. Mock me if you must, but that show will never lose its timeless hilarity. Even the dated 80s and 90s pop culture reference jokes make me laugh.
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Blogger Melissa Blake asks, "Nsync or BSB?"


Ooh, that's a tough one. The classic 90s teenybopper divide. My first-ever concert was actually the Backstreet Boys Larger Than Life tour when I was in 8th grade. I screamed, I cried, I fought a girl in the row behind me for a teddy bear dropped from a ceiling-dangling Nick. I guess the festering wounds of that stuffed animal loss never quite healed, because I was really more of an *NSYNC girl. My unwavering devotion to Justin was cultlike in its fidelity.

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Cee asks, "What made you want to blog about 90s stuff? Did you have a blog before? Basically, how was this fab blog "born"?"

Good question. Sometimes it makes me laugh when people email me asking if I sell Puppy Surprises or if I know the obscure name of their local rural children's radio DJ 20 years back. I have a confession to make...I don't know anything special about the 90s. Well, actually that's not true. I do now, after churning out daily posts for the last 250 days, but when I started I was just trying out a niche topic.

It actually all started with my boyfriend, so I suppose you can thank him or blame him depending on how much valuable time you've lost to the site. I'd been talking to him about how I loved to write, and I'd love to get in a practice of writing daily so I could eventually write a book. By eventually I meant in 20 years, but he's far less patient (read: less lazy) than me. He convinced me to start something up. I didn't have a blog before, actually. I didn't want to make it personal because I was afraid of being blog-outed at work. Of course, a lot of personal anecdotes started slipping in; I couldn't keep it totally objective. If I wanted to write anything funny, I realized I'd probably have to lay myself down on the altar of shame and sacrifice blackmail-worthy past humiliations for the greater good of 90s entertainment.

I'd spent hours on sites like Cakewrecks and Stuff White People Like, so I started thinking of something I could write about daily with the goal of sticking to about 1000 words or more. Obviously I had no idea what I was getting into, but I'm really enjoying the experience nonetheless!


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Tara asks, "Does it ever get hard to think of something 90's to blog about? Do you think a time will come when you'll just run out?"


I definitely didn't draw this, but I wish I had. Isn't it amazing?

I'd have to say yes and maybe. To the first question, it definitely is tougher than I thought. When I started, I had infinite possibilities, which of course I squandered on my then reader-less blog. I actually put together a sort of "master list" of ideas. I managed to come up with about 300, which is clearly insane and represents the inordinate amount of downtime I have at the office. I actually participated in a Google Blogger study, and I was a little embarrassed when they asked to see this master list through screen-sharing. Even over the phone, I'm pretty sure they were judging me.

That said, I didn't realize going into this what a major commitment it is to write so much each day. Also, my childhood was definitely not the same as everyone else's, so it gets more difficult to think of topics to which significant proportion of 20-somethings could relate. I've learned to save websites that interest me, pick up a book or two at used book stores, and to generally keep my eyes out for anything I think might be funny and/or memorable.

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Andy asks, "Of all the SNICK shows, which was your favorite and why?


That's a tough one. I'd love to act cool and say Are You Afraid of the Dark? but really I was a huge wimp as a kid. It totally gave me nightmares. I still think sometimes about that weird red swamp thing that lived in the pool...*shudder*. I'd have to say my favorite was The Secret World of Alex Mack. I would've given anything to hang out with Larissa Oleynik and see how they made her turn into a puddle of mirrored liquid. She was just too cool.



Blogger Kristen asks, "JTT or Devon Sawa?"


It's like you broke into my 13-year old mind and found all of the Bop! foldouts plastering its walls. It's almost a tie, but I think Devon Sawa really got me in Now and Then. My friend told me you could see him running naked through the woods and we tried forever to pause it at just the right moment. Never did catch it, but the fun was in the chase.

Taylor Hanson or Nick Carter?


Nick Carter, for sure. See above my resounding bitterness about not getting to keep that teddy bear he dropped at the concert.


The Wonder Years or Boy Meets World?

That's like asking someone which of their children they love more. I loved both so dearly, though my teenage years intersected more closely with Boy Meets World. I do think Wonder Years pulled the plug in time where BMW kept the show going well past its sell-by date. Either way, I'd have to say it's a toss-up.

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BloggerBrunch at Saks asks, :I have been going crazy over this for a LONG time (like going on 10 years) so hear me out! When I was 8 yrs old- so roughly 93/94- I tried out to be a kid correspondent on FOX Kids. I'm sure you remember the run of shows that they would play in the morning or afternoon block, and in between the shows they would have short segments where kids would report the news. In my auditions I would do screen tests with the main male (adult) host on this show, and for the life of me I cannot remember his name! I know he was popular because when I showed kids at school my pictures with him they all thought it was so cool to meet him! I think his name was Chris something, but all of my Wikipedia and IMDB searches leave me with nothing! I also can't really find anything about the news show itself, so any info you could dig up or know of yourself would be such a help to piecing together this bad memory of mine!"

Wow, that i quite the question. First of all, I'm beyond jealous of your FOX Kids experience. Did you ever make it as a correspondent? Is it possible it was a local program? In a brief search, I found Chris Leary, a personality on the Fox Kids radio show. http://www.kyranthia.net/countdown.html It doesn't sound like he was on TV, though. I also found Chris Eddy http://www.dorkclub.com/?p=34, but he sounds possibly local to the Northern California region.

Or, was it maybe this guy:



I don't think any of these are what you're talking about, but I will keep looking! Regardless, that video is sort of entertaining so please enjoy :)


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Anonymous asks, "If you were stuck on a island and could only have one VHS to watch, which one would it be?"

That's a tough one. I'd like to name some obscure, thought-provoking independent film with subtitles, but truthfully my choices in the era of VHS were not so highbrow. To be honest, I'm leaning toward Troop Beverly Hills. I know the whole movie by heart, but I still love it. It's probably tied with Clueless and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. I watched both of those on VHS at least 30 times. They're like old friends. I felt so betrayed when VHS technology went out of date, it was like severing ties with some of my closest pals.
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The One With... asks, "How do you decide on your topic for the day?"

I wish I could say I have a system, but usually I look through my list and try to get inspired. A lot of the time I'll start an introduction for a few different topics before I settle on one I'd like to write about. I want to make sure it's something people can relate to. Sometimes I think I've thought of a topic that will go over well, and it seems to bomb. I like writing features that focus on several different specific topics under a more general theme umbrella--there's a better chance that y'all will find something that strikes a memory chord. It also involves less extensive research, but I swear it's not just my laziness. In the eternally wise words of Sister Hazel, it's all for you, 90s children.


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Blogger Sadako asks, "Cuter Boy Meets World hottie, Eric or Shawn?"


For me, it was Eric, no contest. They both had great hear, though. Ryder Strong might win in a cool name contest, but I had a thing for Will Friedle.


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The K Family asks, "Ever think about making an "I love the 80's" site as well?"
I would love to, as a lot of the memories are overlapping. Children of the 90s are usually Babies of the 80s, so there's a lot of nostalgic gray area. I've realized that writing one daily blog is a lot of work, though; I don't think I could handle two! To keep my sanity intact and the sarcasm flowing, I think I need to concentrate my efforts.


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digigirl02 asks, "I was wondering if you could do a blog on pogs?"


Ah, the eternal debate. My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy for "holding on" to big topics in case I get a bunch of new readers. I don't want to give it all away too soon, or there'll be nothing left to reminisce over. This strategy seems to be a bust, though, because the topics I think people will go nuts for usually end up being pretty tame. Beanie Babies really didn't catch on the way I'd expected. Either way, a pogs post is definitely forthcoming.
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Blogger Jessica Martin asks, "When's the 90210 blog?"


It's definitely in the works! I have this weird blogging tic where I'm sort of afraid to write about my favorite things for fear I won't do justice to them. I want to make sure I'm writing about those things on days when I'm really on. I'm afraid they won't be the same unless I can get some really good jokes in there. I was actually planning on writing about 90210 one day last week, but it sort of segued into a topic of 30-year old actors portraying high school students. That's really here nor there, though, I promise I would never forget 90210.


Thanks again to everyone for writing in questions and supporting this crazy blog project. When I first started it and set up Analytics, I remember seeing that 14 people had visited and I was in awe, so you can imagine my surprise to find that it's sort of catching on. You guys are the best. We're actually hashing out some T-shirt designs, I may have to put them up for a vote. I think it's a fun idea and my boyfriend (who is literally my #1 fan, according to Facebook) has been working on some very cool mock-ups. I'm off to search the Dallas area for some promising giveaway items. I can't promise a date for this mythical giveaway, but I promise to make it fun. I'll see all of you tomorrow for some good old fashioned 90s ribbing.


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24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Boy meets world all the way!

I love reading your blog, really informative, a great read and always so fun!
keep it up!

courtney said...

Good answers! I can't wait to see what giveaway things you find...perhaps it will be pogs? Or trolls?

nikki said...

Am I the only person who liked Boy Meets World in the later seasons? And I'm so sad that the NY spinoff never happened????

teddi said...

I have to disagree with you on two points, darling: 1) Backstreet Boys over *NSYNC, and 2) There is NO toss up. Wonder Years all the way. :)

Kristie said...

I have been told I should do I blog about The 80's. In fact, I'm going to do a fun 80's post today.

Kristen said...

You touched on so many great 90's topics in these questions! JTT and Devon Sawa, that is a hard one. I had forgotten about Alex Mack, loved that show!

Charlotte said...

I think I may love you forever for answering with Troop Beverly Hills. I have seen that movie SO many times, and it never gets old. I can even excuse the not-naming-JTT thing because of it.

I also think I'd have to suggest a write-in vote for the BMW hottie question: Jack! Like Nikki mentioned above, I love the later seasons the most.

Children of the 90s said...

Haha, I knew taking a stand would get me in trouble! Let me just say, here and forever, that I do indeed love BSB, JTT, The Wonder Years, and all seasons of Boy Meets World. If a rabid 90s fan had a gun to my head, I'd have to give the above answers, but I do love them all.

Sadako said...

Whoohoo! I agree. Will Friedle is the hottness!

Rock on, Children of the Nineties!

Lauren said...

I LOVED the questions and LOVED the answers!! And I totally feel better now because I thought I was the only one who owned a season of the Golden Girls on DVD, haha!!! Love that show with a passion. It makes me laugh so hard! Just wanted you to know I love your blog because it brings back so many great memories and you’ll make me remember things that I had totally forgotten about.

Mr. Condescending said...

I've got a good question for you CotN,

If you and your bf had to pick the best year of the 90's what would it be? I pick 1998, although I'm going to guess you're probably going to pick 95 or 96 and he picks 98 or 99..

- signed, follower 100 (actually 99 because someone unfollowed you *gasp* right after).

Sadako said...

nikki: I liked it the first year they were in college (well, when Eric and Jack were). When Cory and all joined them at Pennbrook it was a little meh...

The One With... said...

I was terrified of the "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" red swamp monster thing, too! I always think it's awesome when other people remember that episode.

The idea for a 90210 blog is awesome. I love 90210.

Andhari said...

I'm definitely confused between NSync or BSB. I love both!

The K Family said...

Great answers!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Oh my gosh that was so much fun remembering all those 90's things with you!

Honey Bee said...

Backstreet Boys hands down!
Nothing beats them.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for answering our questions and can't wait to read more

Jess said...

Thanks for answering. :) Can't wait & thanks for this blog! It's a must read!

Jennifer Fabulous said...

LOVE THIS POST!!

I always get so nostalgic when I read your blog. It brings back memories that were lodged in the back of my brain. Lol.

I'm glad you chose Devon Sawa over JTT. I fell in love with Devon after seeing Casper. I was totally jealous of Christina Ricci.

And I watch Golden Girls almots every day too! :)

I am looking forward to your 90210 post. I never watched the show in the 90s (my parents thought I was too young) so I am now catching up by buying each season on DVD. I am on the third season now. Haha.

And omg pogs...that will be epic.

Hope you have a good weekend, dear!

carissajaded said...

I had such an incredible crush on Brad Renfro, Devon Sawa, and JTT. OH my. And ALex Mac was the bomb. I loved all your answers and I'm so glad you keep this site! I get so nostalgic!

Unknown said...

what a great blog! i found you via kim@fasteddieretrorags :)

Andy - Instafather said...

OK, I agree with you on the Alex Mack thing- it was an underrated show, really. Ahead of its time. And Alex turned out to be a hottie in 10 Things I Hate About You.

I also loved Clarissa Explains it All, but was that ever Snickified?

xeroxahippo said...

NSYNC and BSB, the great divide. how true. I was a raging NSYNC fan and my 8th grade teacher proclaimed that we wouldn't be into this stuff when we got older and I thought "BLASPHEMY" until NSYNC disbanded. I was a huge JC fan (yay brunettes! btw his solo stuff was just weird) and I also got into Devon Sawa a little late because I had discovered The Little Giants and Now and Then when I was in 8th grade but in real life, he was already a grown 20 something. To this day, I still have a crush on young Devon Sawa as a teenager/pre-teen...weird...

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