A lot has changed since the Griffins first took to the ice on Oct. 5, 1996. Back then, we knew all the moves to the “Macarena,” everybody was just getting to know – much less love – Raymond, the Yankees were about to win their first World Series in 18 years, and no one had ever been voted off an island or been compelled to eat a pound of hissing cockroaches.

Yes, it was a much different time, as further evidenced by these examples:




Darius Rucker

Then – Lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish, 1996 Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist.

Now – Cowboy-clad, jingle-singing pitchman for Burger King’s Tendercrisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch sandwich.


Gasoline

Then - $1.29 per gallon

Now - $2.21 per gallon.




Bill Belichick

Then – Mentioned in the same breath as Sam Rutigliano after five failed seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Now – Mentioned in the same breath as Vince Lombardi after winning three Super Bowls in his five seasons at the helm of the New England Patriots.


Internet

Then – Usage in the United States a paltry 9.5 million people.

Now – More than 200 million Americans fight the daily battle against spam, viruses, spyware and pop-up windows.




George W. Bush

Then – Second year of first term as governor of Texas.

Now – First year of second term as President of the United States.


Academy Awards

Then – In Braveheart, angry Mel Gibson wants freedom from English, dies agonizing death.

Now – In Million Dollar Baby, determined Hilary Swank wants to be a boxer, dies agonizing death.




Lance Armstrong

Then – Diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain, giving him a miniscule chance at survival.

Now – Will try to cap off legendary and inspirational career with a seventh-straight Tour de France victory in July.


Tiger Woods

Then – Leads Stanford to NCAA championship, earning Collegiate Player of the Year honors.

Now – Four green jackets can be found among countless red shirts in his closet.


$115,800

Then – The median purchase price of a single-family home.

Now – Practically a down payment on the average $188,800 house.