Let's Not Dwell on This, Shall We?

Next week, the majority of colleges and universities will be getting back into session. And every year, Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin publishes the mindset list that reminds us all how old we are. It details what the freshmen (mostly born in 1990 [shudder]) entering college this year have only ever known.

Here are some of the highlights [lowlights?] from this year's list.

• For these students, Sammy Davis Jr., Jim Henson, Ryan White, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Freddy Krueger have always been dead
• GPS satellite navigation systems have always been available.
• Coke and Pepsi have always used recycled plastic bottles.
• Electronic filing of tax returns has always been an option.
• As a precursor to “whatever,” they have recognized that some people “just don’t get it.”
• Universal Studios has always offered an alternative to Mickey in Orlando.
• Films have never been X rated, only NC-17.
• We have always known that “All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”
• IBM has never made typewriters.
• They have never been able to color a tree using a raw umber Crayola.
• The Tonight Show has always been hosted by Jay Leno and started at 11:35 EST.
• Lenin’s name has never been on a major city in Russia.
• Caller ID has always been available on phones.
• Iced tea has always come in cans and bottles.
• Soft drink refills have always been free.
• The Hubble Space Telescope has always been eavesdropping on the heavens.
• 98.6 F or otherwise has always been confirmed in the ear.