IT'S never too early to look back.

Five days into the bold, promising, and challenging 1990s, we feel the need to reflect upon the events and personalities that have shaped the decade.

1990s Person of the Decade

Manuel Noriega. Once a noted strongman, Noriega left the Vatican Embassy after U.S. troops unveiled their cruelest weapon: Guns and Roses.

Bailout of the Decade

Joseph Kennedy's recent jump out of the Massachusetts gubernatorial race.

Medical Advance of the Decade

The recently-approved vaccine that inhibits the production of sperm.

Commercial of the Decade

Suddenly, Bo knows Diddley.

Inauguration of the Decade

David L. Dinkins as mayor of New York City.

Weight-loss Program of the Decade

Ultra Slim Fast, for snagging ex-Mayor of New York City Edward L. Koch as poster-child.

Prayer of the Decade

Tammy Faye Bakker's plea to those suing the PTL Club to drop their claim to millions of dollars embezzled by her husband, Jim Bakker.