In "This Month in YesterYear History," we look back at the big pop culture moments from
20 (2006), 25 (2001), 30 (1996), and 35 (1991) years ago!
Below, you'll find a little time capsule of what was significant during this month in history. Hopefully, as you read these brief recaps of the past, you'll remember the who, when, and where of some long-tucked-away memories! That's the whole point of this site!
POINTS OF REFERENCE
2006: Animated film "Ice Age: The Meltdown" starring Ray Romano debuts on the 1st. Also, on the first, Wikipedia reached its 1 millionth article (about Jordanhill Railway Station). The film "Dirty Love" (starring Jenny McCarthy and Eddie Kaye Thomas) won the 26th annual Raspberry Award for "best" worst movie of the year on the 4th. Earlier that same day, NASA made its final (and failed) attempt to contact Pioneer 10, the space probe launched in 1972 to explore Jupiter. It became the first man-made object to reach escape velocity from the solar system, and as of early 2025, it is estimated to be 13 billion miles from Earth. On the 5th, the well-received nature documentary "Planet Earth," narrated by David Attenborough, debuts. On the 6th, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signed a first-of-its-kind bill into law that limits abortion. On the 9th, liquid water was discovered on Saturn's moon Enceladus. On the 10th, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter arrives on Mars. On the 13th, Black Sabbath, Blondie, Miles Davis, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Sex Pistols, Herb Alpert, and Jerry Moss are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On the 14th, Mike Wallace retires from 60 Minutes. On the 21st, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey sent the first-ever tweet. The world was never the same. On the 22nd, immigrant workers building the Burj Khalifa and a new terminal at Dubai International Airport rioted and caused several million dollars in damage. Pope Benedict XVI adds 15 to his College of Cardinals on the 24th. On the 25th, the "Capitol Hill Massacre" occurs when a gunman kills 6 (and himself) at a party in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. On the 26th, Scotland bans smoking from all indoor public spaces. On the 30th, Marcos Pontes became the first Brazilian in space.
2001: On the 1st, Ron Francis of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a goal on his 38th birthday to become only the 2nd player in NHL history to score 50+ points for 20 straight seasons. The IRA detonates a bomb in front of the BBC Studios, injuring 11 on the 4th. Also on the 4th, the most significant oil discovery was made in the Caspian Sea. On the 6th, US Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham established the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve for emergency use. On the 17th, OPEC decides to cut output by 4% or 1 million barrels per day. On the 19th, Aerosmith, Solomon Burke, The Flamingos, Michael Jackson, Queen, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Ritchie Valens, James Burton, Johnnie Johnson, and Chris Blackwell are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some heavy hitters there. On the 19th, the Bank of Japan adopted a new monetary policy, quantitative easing, which stimulated the Japanese economy after the burst of the dot-com bubble. On the 20th, the Russian Space Station "Mir" is allowed to burn up in the atmosphere, having outlived its useful life. Russell Crowe and Gladiator win big at the 73rd Academy Awards on the 25th. The same night, "Battlefield Earth" (based on the 1982 novel written by the Scientology creator L Ron Hubbard) wins the "Best-Worst" movie of the year at the Raspberry Awards. On the 30th, at 15 years old, Michael Phelps broke the 200m butterfly world record and became the youngest to set a world mark.
1996: On the 1st, Lenny Wilkins becomes the first coach in NBA history to reach 1,000 victories when his Atlanta Hawks defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers. A new toll-free area code (888) is created on the 2nd. On the 7th, the first photos of Pluto's surface were taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Also on the 7th, Magic Johnson became the first NBA player to reach 10,000 assists. Fargo, starring Frances McDermond, William H. Macy, and Steve Buscemi, debuts in theaters on the 8th. On the 9th, at the 22nd People's Choice Awards, Tim Allen and Candace Bergen won "Best of TV." On the 15th, Chris Issak's album "Forever Blue" is certified platinum. On the 16th, Mike Tyson TKOs Frank Bruno in the 3rd round to earn the Heavyweight Title. On the 16th, the Bell Center opens in Montreal. A nightclub fire in Quezon City, Philippines, kills 162. On the 18th, Apple Records releases The Beatles "Anthology 2" (double CD/triple LP)", the second of 3-part series of rare recordings and outtakes by the Beatles. On the 20th, Erik and Lyle Menendez were found guilty of killing their parents. That same day, the UK admitted humans can catch "Mad Cow Disease." Cheryl Depew of Florida is crowned 13th Miss Hawaiian Tropic International on the 22nd. "Showgirls," starring SBTB's Elizabeth Berkley, earns the "Best-Worst" award at the 1996 Razzies on the 24th. The next day, "Braveheart" wins Best Picture, while Nicolas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas) and Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking) win Best Actor/Actress at the 68th Academy Awards. Michelle Kwan wins the Ladies Figure Skating Championship in Edmonton on the 25th. Todd Eldridge wins the Men's competition. A newly redesigned $100 bill was released by the United States. On the 29th, the "old" Cleveland Browns chose their new name for after their move to Baltimore... the Ravens. On the 30th, the Mets beat the Yankees 5-3 in an exhibition game. On the 31st, at Wrestlemania XII at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, CA, Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart for the WWF World Title.
1991: On the 1st, Pat Day becomes the 5th jockey in history to earn $100 million in winnings. The US Embassy in Kuwait opens on the 1st. On the 2nd, St. Louis right wing Brett Hull becomes a 70-goal scorer for the 2nd straight season. On the 3rd, Iraqi generals and US General "Stormin' Norman" Schwarzkopf met to discuss the ceasefire in the Gulf War. Also on the 3rd, Latvia and Estonia voted to leave the USSR. Also, on the 3rd, the Los Angeles race riots began when an amateur video captured the police beating Rodney King. Also, on the 3rd, a United Airlines 737 crashed outside of Colorado Springs, killing 25 people. On the 6th, following Iraq's surrender in the Persian Gulf conflict, President George H. W. Bush told Congress that "aggression is defeated. The war is over." On the 8th, the United States performs a nuclear test in Nevada. On the 10th, the "Rock for the Rainforest" concert is held in New York City, starring Sting and Elton John. On the 11th, Bill Cosby and Kirstie Alley win "Best Of" Television at the People's Choice Awards. Earlier that day, Janet Jackson announced that she had signed a $40 million, 3-record deal with Virgin Records. Also that day, Monica Seles ended Steffi Graf's 186-week streak of being the top-ranked female tennis player. On the 13th, Exxon pays $1 billion in cleanup and fines related to the Valdez tanker crash. On the 14th, the Dave Matthews Band performs their first show as part of a benefit for the Middle East Children's Alliance in Charlottesville, Virginia. On the 15th, four L.A. police officers were charged in the Rodney King beating incident. Seven members of Reba McEntire's band are killed in a plane crash near San Diego on the 16th. Kristi Yamaguchi won the Women's World Figure Skating Championships on the 17th. On the 19th, Goodfellas wins the British Film and TV Awards (BAFTA), but hardly makes up for being snubbed at the Oscars in favor of Dances with Wolves later in the month. Mike Tyson defeats Razor Ruddock in the 7th round on the 19th. The NFL strips Phoenix of the Super Bowl on the 19th when the state of Arizona won't recognize MLK, Jr. Day as a holiday. Bret Hull becomes only the 3rd player to score 80 goals in one season on the 20th. On the 20th, Michael Jacksonsigneds a $65 million deal with Sony Records to produce 6 albums. On the 21st, Quebec Nordiques goaltender Ron Tugnutt sets NHL record for most saves in a regular season game (70 of 73 shots in 3-3 tie with the Boston Bruins. High School teacher Pamela Smart is convicted of using her 15-year-old boyfriend to kill her husband in Derry, New Hampshire, on the 22nd. On the 24th, the All-American Hulk Hogan defeats "Iraqi sympathizer" Sgt. Slaughter at Wrestlemania VII in Los Angeles. On the 25th, Dances with Wolves wins at the Oscars for "Best Picture," while Kathy Bates (Misery) and Jeremy Irons (Reversal of Fortune) win Best Actor/Actress. Stephen Sondheim wins "Best Original Song" for Dick Tracy's "Sooner or Later," performed by Madonna. New Kid on the Block, Donnie Wahlberg, was arrested on arson charges in Kentucky on the 26th.
TOP MOVIES
2006: "Failure to Launch" -
Failure to Launch is a rom-com directed by Tom Dey, starring Matthew McConaughey as Tripp, a 35-year-old man-child still living with his parents. Sarah Jessica Parker stars as Paula, the "interventionist" hired to entice him to move out. The rest of the cast includes Zooey Deschanel as Tripp's quirky sister Kit, Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper in an early role, Terry Bradshaw as Tripp's dad, and Kathy Bates as his mom.
The plot centers on Tripp's parents, frustrated by his extended stay at home, who enlist Paula to date him and motivate him to become more independent. Their scheme backfires as genuine feelings develop, complicated by Tripp's adventurous lifestyle (boating, skydiving) and Paula's own secrets. Chaos ensues with family interference and romantic misunderstandings, leading to heartfelt reconciliations and Tripp finally "launching" into adulthood.
Critically, the film received mostly negative reviews, with a 23% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It is often criticized as formulaic and lacking spark despite the attractive leads. Some praised the chemistry between McConaughey and Parker, but many found it forgettable rom-com fare. It was a commercial success, grossing $130.2 million worldwide ($88.7 million domestic) against a $50 million budget. The roles were written initially for Zach Braff and Amanda Peet. It's best remembered as an early 2000s rom-com staple with breakout roles for Cooper and Deschanel. Despite its criticisms, it is still a popular option on streaming services.
2001: "The Mexican" -
The Mexican was a romantic crime comedy directed in his feature film debut by Gore Verbinski and stars Brad Pitt as Jerry Welbach and Julia Roberts as his girlfriend, Samantha. Supporting cast includes James Gandolfini, Gene Hackman, J.K. Simmons, and Bob Balaban.
The quirky script blends road-trip adventure with mob intrigue, following Jerry, a low-level gangster, tasked with one last job: retrieving a cursed antique pistol called "The Mexican" from Mexico. Meanwhile, Samantha, fed up with his criminal life, heads to Vegas alone but gets entangled with trouble herself. Their separate journeys intersect after several mishaps, betrayals, and friendships, culminating in a chaotic final scene involving the gun (and their relationships) fate.
Critically, it earned mixed reviews, with a 54% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Praise was given to Gandolfini's charismatic performance and offbeat humor, with many noting the lead's limited screen time together and a slow pace.
The film was a commercial hit, grossing $147.8 million worldwide on a $57 million budget and debuting at #1. Pitt was initially offered the hero role but chose the inept Jerry, and Gandolfini earned the film a cult following in certain circles for his portrayal of a gay hitman.
1996: "The Birdcage" -
The Birdcage is an absolutely hysterical comedy, and an English-language adaptation of the French play/film La Cage aux Folles. Directed by Mike Nichols, it stars Robin Williams as Armand Goldman, Nathan Lane as his partner Albert (drag performer Starina), Gene Hackman as the conservative Senator Keeley, and Dianne Wiest as his wife. Calista Flockhart and Dan Futterman play the young couple seeking approval from their parents.
The plot revolves around Armand and Albert's gay household in South Beach, Miami, where their son Val announces his engagement to Barbara, the daughter of Senator Keeley. To impress the conservative in-laws, Armand and Albert pretend to be a straight couple, leading to frantic attempts to "straighten" their flamboyant home and lives, resulting in hilarious chaos, cultural clashes, and heartfelt moments.
Critically, it was well received, with an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and positive marks for its sharp wit and performances. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Cast. The film was a major success, grossing $185.3 million worldwide on a $31 million budget, topping the box office for weeks.
1991: "The Silence of the Lambs" -
The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror-thriller adapted from Thomas Harris's novel. It stars Jodie Foster as FBI trainee Clarice Starling, Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Ted Levine as serial killer Buffalo Bill, Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford, and Anthony Heald as Dr. Chilton. \
The plot follows Clarice, tasked with interviewing imprisoned cannibal Lecter to gain insights into catching Buffalo Bill, who skins women to make a "skin suit." Lecter toys with her psychologically in exchange for quid pro quo revelations, leading to a gripping investigation, Lecter's escape, and Clarice's solo confrontation with the killer in a terrifying basement climax.
Critically acclaimed, it holds a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is lauded for its suspense, performances, and direction. It swept the "Big Five" Oscars: Best Picture, Director, Actor (Hopkins), Actress (Foster), and Adapted Screenplay, and is the only horror film to win Best Picture.
It was a blockbuster, grossing $272.7 million worldwide on a $19 million budget, the fifth-highest of 1991. Hopkins earned his Oscar in a brief 16 minutes of screen time. The film has been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry and has spawned several sequels/prequels, and shorts.
TOP SONGS
2006: "So Sick" by Ne-Yo
2001: "Stutter" by Joe featuring Mystikal
1996: "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
1991: "Someday" by Mariah Carey
TOP TELEVISION NEWS
March 2006:
8th: Bravo debuts its most popular show to date, Top Chef.
13th: The New Adventures of Old Christine, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, debuts on CBS.
16th: SportsNet New York launches as the home of the New York Mets and Jets.
17th: As part of Sci-Fi's Friday-night programming, the United States premiere of a new Doctor Who series begins.
24th: The Disney Channel debuts its hit show, Hannah Montana, starring Miley Cyrus.
26th: The last first-run episode of the long-running series Soul Train airs. Reruns continue until October, when the show ends production completely.
March 2001:
4th: La Femme Nikita comes to an end on USA Network, where it had run since 1997. Wrestling fans fondly remember this series, which was frequently advertised during the WWF/E's Monday Night RAW on the same network.
6th: TEENick first airs as a special block of programming on Sunday Night.
18th: World Championship Wrestling produces their final pay-per-view event, WCW Greed.
21st: The final WCW Thunder aired on TBS.
26th: On TNT, WCW Monday Nitro broadcast its final show from Panama City Beach, Florida, with a simulcast of the WWF's Monday Night RAW television series (then airing on TNN). This officially ended a six-year ratings struggle in professional wrestling (The Monday Night War). Live professional wrestling wouldn't be broadcast on TNT or TBS until the launch of AEW Dynamite in 2019.
30th: Hit animated show, The Fairly OddParents, debuts on Nickelodeon.
31st: Spider-Man Unlimited ends its run on Fox Kids, having been on air since 1998.
31st: The final WCW Worldwide syndicated program airs a week after WCW is officially out of business.
March 1996:
1st: It is reported that over 1 billion households worldwide now own television sets.
2nd: Pacific Blue debuts on USA Network.
4th: DISH Network launches service under the name EchoStar in some parts of the country.
7th: The Mickey Mouse Club officially comes to an end, having been on air in some form or another since 1955.
8th: The Joy of Painting host, and everyone's favorite softspoken artist, Bob Ross, makes his final television appearance as a guest in the pilot episode of the children's series "The Adventures of Elmer and Friends." This episode, which aired a year after Bob's death, includes a final message of thanks from Ross to his fans and viewers.
9th: Malibu Shores debuts on NBC.
16th: The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, starring Irene Ng and Pat Morita, debuts on Nickelodeon.
21st: Boston Common debuts on NBC.
29th: E! True Hollywood Story first airs on E!
29th: Nash Bridges debuts on CBS.
29th: The Pink Panther animated series comes to an end, having run since 1993.
31st: WrestleMania XII is broadcast from Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim. In the main event, Shawn Michaels defeats Bret Hart in a 60-minute Iron Man match to win the WWF Championship for the first time.
March 1991:
1st: Clarissa Explains It All, starring Mellisa Joan Hart, debuts on Nickelodeon. This show was groundbreaking and very important to many '90s kids.
1st: Toxic Crusaders, the animated series, debuts on the USA Network.
3rd: A video made by an observer, rare for the time in 1991, films Los Angeles Police officers beating Rodney King after a high-speed chase while resisting arrest. The tape is quickly broadcast on news programs across the country, leading to what eventually becomes known as the Los Angeles Race Riots.
9th: Uncle Buck, the sitcom based on the 1989 film, is cancelled after one season. Starring Kevin Meaney (whom I best remember for his song "I Don't Care") filled in for John Candy, who was unavailable due to his commitment to NBC with Camp Candy.
18th: Get The Picture, a children's game show hosted by Mike O'Malley, featured two teams answering questions and playing games for the chance to guess a hidden picture on a giant screen made up of 16 smaller screens.
31st: Darkwing Duck debuts on ABC.
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