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Beloit, WI—Every year since 1998, Beloit College has released its annual “Mindset List,” which was first introduced as a witty reminder to faculty members that incoming freshmen won’t relate to most of the societal references they themselves take for granted.

Since its inception, the college’s annual lists have been published around the world and the two original authors (Ron Nief and Tom McBride) have written a book, established a website, and set up a Facebook page (with a daily quiz).

Click here for the full 2017 Beloit Mindset List, but to put things in perspective, here are a few highlights of what is normal to the 18-year-olds you hope will someday become lifelong customers:

• GM means genetically modified food.
• Having a chat rarely involves talking.
• It’s always been illegal to sell spray paint in Chicago.
• Californians who smoke have always been relegated to the few places they’re allowed to.
• Rappers Eminem and LL Cool J are old enough to show up at Parents’ Weekend.
• Planes have never landed at Stapleton Airport in Denver.
• Java has never been just a cup of coffee.
• They’ve never attended a concert in a smoke-filled arena.
• A car CD player is ancient equipment.

But since the typical age for first marriage is 27 for women and 29 for men, here are some highlights of the 2003 list, when today’s 28-year-old engagement ring customers were college freshmen themselves:

• John Lennon and John Belushi were always dead.
• There had always been a woman on the Supreme Court, and in space.
• They never needed a prescription to buy ibuprofen.
• They had no idea who “Ma Bell” was.
• They never knew Madonna as a new artist.
• Yugoslavia never existed.
• President Kennedy’s assassination was as relevant as Lincoln or Garfield.

Top image: oakcliffpeople.com