Ronald Reagan announces that Global Positioning System will be made available for civilian use. Because of this, today, people no longer get lost.
Kiss appears on MTV and the cover for their new album Lick It Up without make-up. Thousands of fans have their minds blown and their fantasies shattered.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Post by Midnight Hulk on May 21, 2011 0:08:22 GMT -5
Many Soviet officials misinterpret the NATO exercise Able Archer 83 as a nuclear first strike, causing the last nuclear scare of the Cold War. That was a close one.
Baltimore Orioles win the World Series against Philadelphia Phillies. Again, Philly!?
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
“Scarface”hits theaters. It develops a cult following among rappers and hip hop fans who missed the movie’s moral.
And, that ends 1983. Tune in tomorrow for 1984.
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Hulk Hogan defeats The Iron Sheik for the WWF Title and begins a 4 year title run that helps usher in a wrestling boom. So, whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you!?
Michael Jackson’shair catches fire during an accident on the set of a Pepsi commercial when a pyrotechnic goes off too early. Yet another reason why the jheri curl should be banned. The mullet should also be banned, but that’s on principle.
The Go-Go’s release the album Talk Show. A year later, the band went on a temporary split that lasted until 1990. Apparently, they have a loose definition of temporary.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Rockwell becomes famous with the song “Somebody’s Watching Me.” Though, using your connections as Motown founder Barry Gordy’s son to get Michael Jackson to sing the chorus helps.
Last Edit: May 21, 2011 14:06:29 GMT -5 by Midnight Hulk
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Run-D.M.C.’sself-titled debut album is released. They quickly standout from the rest of the hip hop pack by sampling rock songs for their beats. That’s why they call themselves the Kings Of Rock.
Comedian Tommy Cooper collapses and dies of a heart attack on live TV.
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
The Summer Olympics in L.A., Mary Lou Retton becomes the first gymnast outside Eastern Europe to win the gymnastics all-around competition. And, Carl Lewis matches Jesse Owens’s feat of 4 track and field gold medals. I don't know what the other countries did because...who gives a f***? USA! USA ! USA!
Art Of Noise releases “Close (To The Edit).” The video becomes an iconic one of the decade with its little punk girl and three men destroying musical instruments.
Art Of Noise—“Close (To The Edit).”
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Post by Midnight Hulk on May 21, 2011 14:09:16 GMT -5
Edmonton Oilers defeat New York Islanders in the Stanley Cup, ending the Islanders dynasty of 4 consecutive Stanley Cups and starting Edmonton’s dynasty.
Boston Celtics win the NBA Finals over L.A. Lakers in the first of 3 finals between both teams in the decade.
Black Saturday: Wrestling fans tune into TBS expecting Georgia Championship Wrestling. Instead, they get Vince McMahon, who has bought the promotion, and a so-so WWF show. Fans are pissed. The ratings nose dive. Vince McMahon loses money. And, finally, Ted Turner steps in, buying out Vince and putting NWA’s World Championship Wrestling on the channel.
Bananarama release their self-titled album. You know one of those girls married the other guy in Wham. It’s a marriage of “They look familiar. I know I’ve seen them somewhere!”
Bananarama—“Cruel Summer.”
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Rainbow Britehits the airwaves. Because that’s what kids need: more crap to watch and keep them for moving around and more crap to yell at the parents to buy for them.
Trivial Pursuit sells 20 million units. There’s a little trivia for you.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Prince has the number 1 single, album, and film in the U.S. thanks to “Purple Rain” and its soundtrack.
Prince—“Let’s Go Crazy.”
Anti-fur movement gains ground thanks to PETA as fur coat wearers are splashed with paint by protesters. The animal rights activist group is still around and looked at as a bunch loons by the rest of the world.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer becomes famous for her frank talk about sex. People are shocked that such a cute, little, old lady can be so open about orgasms, dildos, and anal sex.
The Jacksons release the album Victory, the last one with Michael. Because, he was pretty big on his own back then. Don’t know if you knew that.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Several of the shows that debut on NBC, including Night Court, The Cosby Show, and Miami Vice, along with the rise in ratings for Family Ties and Cheers, help the network become the top rated one for the decade. I’m sure Brandon Tartikoff would be proud to see how NBC has turned out today.
Chaka Khan finds success with her sixth solo album, I Feel For You. The title track, originally by Prince, single-handedly relaunches Khan’s career. I hope she at least sent Prince a fruit basket.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Ronald Reagan is re-elected as U.S. President. Walter Mondale only wins one state, Minnesota, and the District of Columbia. I guess voters got annoyed by him saying “Where’s The Beef?” over and over again.
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Bernhard Goetz shoots 4 African-American youths in a Bronx subway.
Well, that does it for 1984. And, we're halfway through the 1980s. Now, the back half begins with 1985.
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Phil Collins releases his most successful solo album, No Jacket Required. More like “No Genesis Require.” But, it was nice he stayed with the band regardless of his solo success.
Phil Collins—“Sussudio.”
San Francisco 49ers win Super Bowl XIX over Miami Dolphins. Maybe all those records Dan Marino broke can comfort him over the fact that he blew his one chance to win a Super Bowl.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Indiana basketball coach Bobby Knightthrows a chair across the court during a game against Purdue after a ref made a call he didn’t like. People are shocked but secretly agree that it was awesome.
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Post by Midnight Hulk on May 21, 2011 14:20:50 GMT -5
Mikhail Gorbachev becomes General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party and de facto leader of the Soviet Union. Everyone wonders what the hell that thing on his head is.
The Smiths release their classic second album, Meat Is Murder. I’m guessing they’re vegetarians. Don’t know why; just call it a hunch.
Monster trucks capture the hearts and minds of rednecks.
U.S. drug agent Enrique Camarena is kidnapped and murdered in Mexico on February 9. His body is discovered March 5. In his memory, Red Ribbon Week is created to teach kids about drugs. You know, that one week in October you had to show up to school wearing a red ribbon? It was because of him.
Sade’sDiamond Life is released in the U.S. And, it’s pronounced “Shar-day,” not “Say-d” or “Say-dee.”
Sade—“Smooth Operator.”
Academy Awards: “Amadeus” wins Best Picture, Best Director (Milos Foreman), Best Actor (F. Murray Abraham), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Peter Shaffer). And, it inspired Falco’s biggest hit. That’s the most important accomplishment of all.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Post by Midnight Hulk on May 21, 2011 14:22:08 GMT -5
Moonlighting debuts, notable for the comeback of Cybil Shepard, the launching of Bruce Willis’s career, the “Will they, or won’t they?” relationship of the two main characters, and the show’s meta-fictional content. Oh! And, that cool theme song.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Michael Jordan becomes a sensation on the basketball court, and Air Jordans become a sensation with kids, despite their parents not being able to afford them. Thanks a lot, Nike.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Yello releases probably the strangest song to be a hit in the 1980s: “Oh Yeah.”
Yello—“Oh Yeah.”
The Nintendo NES and Super Mario Bros. are released. Kids rejoice. Turtles do not.
Ruth Lawrence, 13, achieves a first in mathematics at Oxford University, becoming the youngest British person ever to earn a first-class degree and the youngest known graduate of Oxford University. What the hell have you done with your life!?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Post by Midnight Hulk on May 21, 2011 14:28:29 GMT -5
The wreckage of the R.M.S. Titanic is found. Jack’s body was not recovered. Sorry ladies.
Heart’sself-titled album comes out. Soon, a trend emerges in Heart’s videos: the camera focuses on Nancy Wilson while just showing her sister Ann’s head because Ann gained some weight. Sexist, isn’t it?
Til Tuesday gets famous thanks to their debut album, Voices Carry, and its title track, with its video getting heavy rotation on MTV. People must have really like Aimee Mann’s weird haircut back then.
Til Tuesday—“Voices Carry.”
Richard Ramirez AKA The Night Stalker is captured in L.A. after killing 14 plus people.
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
Kate Bush—“Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God).”
Ryan White, a young boy who contracted HIV from a contaminated blood test, tries to return to his school in Kokomo, Indiana and is met with resistance and protest from parents who are afraid that they’ll contact HIV from White.
The Parents Music Resource Center manages to get Senate hearings on the mature content of popular songs, i.e. they’re filled with sex and bad language. The hearings are notable for opposing testimony from Frank Zappa, John Denver, and Dee Snider. Never the less, the hearings result in the infamous Parental Advisory stickers that mark all albums with explicit content. Ironically, the sticker ends up boosting the sales of CDs it’s on.
A-ha becomes big thanks to their debut album, Hunting High and Low, and their most famous song, “Take On Me,” which had one of the most iconic videos of the decade. Not bad for a band from Norway.
A-ha—“Take On Me.”
The Emmys: Outstanding Drama Series: Cagney & Lacey and Outstanding Comedy: The Cosby Show.
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.
“Commando” comes to theaters. Men nearly explode from all the testosterone the movie produces. Warning: just the trailer may do the same thing. Watch with caution: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh-QUh69MCg
Tom Waits’s classic album, Rain Dogs, is released. It features the song “Downtown Train,” which would later be covered by Rod Stewart. Needless to say, Waits’s version is better.
Pete Rose breaks Ty Cobb’s all-time hit record. It was Charlie Hustle’s happiest moment. Wanna bet that will be a distant memory in just four years?
Kansas City Royals beat St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Game 6 becomes infamous for a blown call when umpire Don Denkinger called Royals first batter Jorge Orta save at first when he was actually out; the ball got to the baseman first.
North And South mini-series debuts on ABC. It features Patrick Swayze, Kirstie Alley, Elizabeth Taylor, Morgan Fairchild, Wayne Newton, Linda Evans, Peter O’Toole, and Billy Dee Williams. The Civil War hasn’t looked this glamorous since “Gone With The Wind.”
Are you afraid of the dark?
Quote Of The Week:
“I can't smile, dammit! I had Bells Palsy!!!!”—Jim Ross, to Jerry “The King” Lawler, during Vince McMahon’s shaving at WrestleMania 23.