6 Pop Culture Trends From the Late 1990s Mentioned in Mr. Right is a Myth

Between classes, work and boyfriends, Cassandra doesn’t have nearly as much free time in Mr. Right is a Myth as she does in Sexual Awakening.  Still, she seems pretty hip on pop culture at the end of the last Millennium.  Here are six pop culture trends from the late 1990s mentioned in Mr. Right is a Myth.

Blue Man Group

I’m on a date with a reject from a Blue Man Group audition. – Chapter 10

Blue Man Group was founded in 1987.  The group earned media attention in 1988 when it carried a decorative coffin through New York City’s Central Park to celebrate the death of the 1980s.  At the time, there were eight members – all with their faces painted blue – but eventually members left until only three remained.  The trio began performing throughout the Big Apple.  In 1991, before hitting it big, the group performed at an off-off-Broadway theater in a show that included music and antics.

And there really are Blue Man Group auditions.

“More than 200 Blue Men have since performed in national and international productions,” Vulture says. “There are a few requirements: Blue Men must be between five-foot-ten and six-foot-one, skilled at drumming, and able to “wordlessly emote.” … The training process is a paid eight-week gig, but many candidates are cut before the end.”

1-900 Phone Numbers

 

She recites her message like one of those women in the commercials for the 1-900-call-now-to-meet-singles numbers.  – Chapter 19

1-900 phone numbers were premium-rate telephone numbers, meaning calling these numbers incurred higher price rates than other numbers.  A typical fee was $2.99 for the first minute and 99 cents for each additional minute.

In the 1990s, callers could interact with celebrities, consult a psychic or meet local singles, among other things, but the line’s popularity was limited.  By the end of the decade, the internet had replaced the services the lines offered.

“Free or just plain better websites replaced expensive phone calls,” Priceonomics explains. “Sports fanlines became fansites. Dating lines became dating sites (became dating apps). Sports recruiting lines turned into recruiting websites. The pay-per-call industry didn’t so much die as move online.”

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Leah and Sarah lounge on the living room couch, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire blaring on the TV.  – Chapter 24

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was a television game show that aired in the United States from 1999-2002.  Originally a British program, there were many international versions.

Regis Philbin hosted.  Contestants answered 15 multiple-choice questions for an opportunity to win $1 million.  After two incorrect answers, contestants were eliminated.  If a contestant was stuck on a question, he or she could have the potential responses narrowed down to two, ask the audience or phone a friend.  There were three lifelines given to each contestant.

Ally McBeal

Your interview will be with Ms. Beale.  Don’t make jokes about Ally McBeal.  She hates that.  ‒ Chapter 25

Ally McBeal was a legal comedy drama that aired from 1997 to 2002.  Calista Flockhart starred in the title role.  The series followed the romantic lives of the main characters and was known for its fantasy sequences and running gags.  The show was cancelled after five seasons because of low ratings.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

 

“Have you read much Dickens?”

“I saw the Muppet Christmas Carol once.” – Chapter 27

The Muppet Christmas Carol was the Muppet version of the Charles Dickens novella starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit.  The film debuted in December 1992.  It was released on VHS in 1993 when Cassandra was a freshman in high school.

J.C. Penny Catalogue

Dawn gives me the cardigan I admired in the J.C. Penny Spring and Summer Catalog.  – Chapter 35

JCPenny (spelled J. C. Penney in the 1990s) printed three catalogues annually:  Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter and Christmas.  The seasonal editions were around 1,000 pages.  Shoppers could have orders mailed to their homes or to their local departments stores’ J. C. Penney Catalog Centers.  The company stopped printing its catalogues in 2011 and closed its catalog outlet stores.

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What was your favorite pop culture trends from the late 1990s?  Leave a comment below.  Comments close after 90 days. For more information on the licenses mentioned on this page, visit https://creativecommons.org/about/cclicenses/.

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Here’s the 4-1-1

This blog is a companion piece to The Rock Star’s Wife, a series about sex, family, and rock & roll.  The series has elements of chick lit, romance and erotica and is best compared to The Vagina Monologues for its frank talk of sex and its consequences.  The series follows Cassandra from her teenage years into her 40s as she navigates relationships (both romantic and platonic) — all with music playing a prominent roll.

Book two, Mr. Right is a Myth, coming August 2023:  Co-ed Cassandra Economos has a plan.  Earn her degree then move into a Chicago penthouse.  If she can meet a guy who accepts her, high sex drive and all, that’s an added bonus.  But how many frogs must she kiss before she meets a prince?

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