Author: Shira Gregory

The stars collided, conspired or what have you on this date, for it can be no coincidence that it is both the birthday of hotel heiress Paris Hilton and the anniversary of the beginning of the end for pop-star Britney Spears. Yes, today in 1981, Paris was born. Who knew that little bundle of joy would grow up to be an amateur porn star, a failed pop singer and a national (hell, global) punch line?

But today, one year ago, was also when Britney Spears, following a one-day stay at rehab, shaved her own head. Hey, that adolescent rebellion stage had to kick in at some point, even if it was latent. Readers, beware the ides of February (ok, two days after the ides), lest your babes grow up to be paparazzi fodder.

Today in 2005, three disgruntled PayPal employees created and launched a website where users could view, upload and share video clips, naming the site, "YouTube."

The site became so popular that a little less than a year later, Google acquired the website for a mere $1.65 billion in Google stock. Hot-Damn!

Thanks to YouTube, we’re now able to watch videos of crying Britney Spears fans, mock lightsaber battles and people dancing in front of their webcams whenever we get the urge — which, if rumors about YouTube’s traffic are true, is pretty freakin’ often.

It is a lesson learned and relearned, a modern day fairytale that gives us all hope: it pays to be a nerd.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: I resemble that last remark, Shira. Don’t forget you can also watch your favorite commercials from days gone by… Long live "Rom: Spaceknight!" – RM]

Today in 1992, the Saturday Night Live spin-off film Wayne’s World premiered, making Valentine’s Day that much more… romantic?

A-sphincter-says-what?

The film starred starred Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, reprising their roles from the SNL sketches that spawned the film. If nothing else, Wayne’s World gave hope to basement dwellers everywhere who hoped to someday beat up Rob Lowe and score with Tia Carrere.

AWESOME!

Today in 2004, Mattel announced that Barbie and Ken were breaking up.

Mattel was reluctant to give further information on the details of this tragic break up, but only too soon was Barbara Millicent Roberts seen cavorting around town with Blaine. The two were caught playing Rebound® together, whilst Ken was at home tending to Skipper’s growing needs.

However, Ms. Roberts’ relationship with Blaine seemed short lived, as after a few weeks she was often seen alone, sipping a cappucino whilst playing UNO®.

Thankfully, America’s favorite genital-free couple finally admitted that they just couldn’t stay away from each other, and got back together in 2006.

They are currently doing very well under the care of Disney Princesses® couples therapy.