BabyoftheValley was born January 26, 2004. I’ve begun to fill out her baby book, but I’m really having a hard time with the section on popular culture “when I was born”. I’m generally clueless about such things – nevermind when I’ve got little sleep. I’m hoping you guys can help.
Here are some of the questions:
[ul]
[li]Hit TV shows were[/li][li]Popular songs and musicians were[/li][li]Famous actors and actresses were[/li][li]Famous sports figures were[/li][li]Best selling books were[/li][li]Technological advances were[/li][li]Fashion trends were[/li][li]Predictions for the future were[/li][/ul]
For the record, we’re in the US.
I don’t know that much about popular culture, but maybe I can get the ball rolling.
TV shows: Friends and Sex and the City both made the news for their much-anticipated series finales. Will & Grace is also wildly popular among the people I know.
Popular songs and musicians: I would say the White Stripes are pretty popular, as well as Evanescence… Outkast of course… I’m not really into popular music so maybe someone can back me up here.
Famous actors and actresses: Charlize Theron, Renee Zellweger, Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom (swoon!)… If you watched the Oscars, you could pretty much list any actor/actress who was nominated, and even those who attended
Best-selling Books: no idea…
Technological advances: no idea…
Fashion trends: Low-rise flared jeans are still in for women, and for teenage girls sheer shirts with camisoles underneath are pretty common. No idea what’s popular for men/teenage guys.
Predictions for the future: That Nader announcing his candidacy will screw up the election for the Democrats? 
Actually, I don’t think he had announced his candidacy at that point.
I think I’d mention the Super Bowl. I was born Jan 23, 1969 and my baby book mentions the New York Jets win earlier that month. The Patriots win this year will go down as one of the best Super Bowls.
I’d mention the President and your feelings. I was born 3 days after Nixon took office. I think the Mars explorers will also be part of history.
Also, don’t forget to mention that they’re having another stupid, boring halftime show that no one will even watch or care about.
Hmmm…Can you say “Sex and the City” in a baby book?
Good call on the Super Bowl. It was the first sports event Miss BotV ever watched, and the home team won! (Unlike me – my first game was a Red Sox loss. Foolishly, I didn’t learn my lesson and continue to root for them.)
So what were your parents’ feelings about Nixon? 
I have already mentioned in the book that her birth made me miss the NH primary voting. So she can’t blame Mom for whoever gets elected this year!
Which begs the question: how many swear words is it appropriate to use in a baby book?
Predictions for the future were:
We’ll all get killed by terrorists.
The middle east will be a model of democracy.
I don’t have anything to add to the conversation except I’m in the exact same situation. The Wicklet Twins were born February 4, and I didn’t know what to write in that section of their books either.
Keep the suggestions coming!
Oh, and congratulations on BabyoftheValley. 
Hit TV shows were
The reality TV phenomenon; Survivor, Apprentice, My Big Fat Obnoxious, Fear Factor, Real World, etc. Friends and Sex in the City for sure. Queer Eye was huge for a while.
Popular songs and musicians were
There’s the Justin Timberlake/Christina Aguilera/Britney Spears triad. I’m having trouble thinking of any current rock, rap, pop, or hip-hop music that’s likely to be remembered, though.
Famous sports figures were
Terrel Owen, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Sammy Sosa, Kobe Bryant
Best selling books were
My Prison Without Bars by Pete Rose
Technological advances were
Two semi-autonomous probes on Mars discover evidence that the Red Planet was once “soaking wet.” HDTV and Tivo gain in popularity. Wireless web.
Librarian chiming in:
The Da Vinci Code, The South Beach Diet, and Bleachers are the best selling books now.
oooh you have to mention the low-carb craze. I’m surprised they don’t have Low-Carb Similac yet.
I was going to leave music to everyone else, but here’s how I see it:
Apart from the trinity of Justin, Britney and Xtina, you should certainly mention these people:
Missy Elliot
The Neptunes
Outkast
Radiohead
Coldplay
[American] Idol
Eminem
50 Cent
The White Stripes
The Strokes
Beyonce
(in no particular order)
** MOST IMPORTANTLY ** - 6th March 2004: Ireland mop the floor with “World Champions” England in the Rugby 6 Nations competition 19 - 13. In London. Best. Game. Ever.
I also feel compelled to mention that the day is the national day of both Australia and India.
Hey, on your kid’s birthday, about a billion people are celebrating!
Thanks to everyone who’s posted so far. Great ideas! (Although I guess I shouldn’t bother to write the baby book if we’re all going to be killed by terrorists anyway, according to gex gex’s prediction… )
Achilles: I must admit I’m not current on the latest in rugby. However, BotV and I have been watching the weekly English Premier League soccer (err…football?) matches that they show here on Fox Sports. She prefers Portsmouth, but only because they’re sponsored by Beanie Babies.
Wicked Blue: congratulations!! At this point, I can’t imagine handling two. :eek: