The reason that's the only time you remember it was that it was exceptional - no one had filibustered an SC nominee before. Hence, the negotiations, "gang of 4," etc.

It's ROUTINE. It's used ALL THE TIME. Jesus our schools are rotten.

Note, of course, that we're not talking about movie-style filibusters where people read phone books. They're not necessary. If Senate leaders don't have the 60 votes for cloture, they don't bother voting.