He was the 40th president
Who was Ronald Regan
1980s fact - Ronald Reagan loved Jelly Beans. A full jar of Jelly Beans was always available to Reagan during his presidency.
This former Beatle was shot & killed on December 8, 1980.
Who was John Lennon?
1980s fact - John Lennon was walking back into his apartment in NYC when he was shot & killed. He had earlier that night signed a copy of his new album for the man who would later assassinate him, Mark David Chapman.
On October 7, 1984, this Chicago Bear would become the all-time NFL rushing leader
Who is Walter Payton?
1980s fact - Walter Payton would retire in 1987 with 16,726 rushing yards. His record would stand until October 27, 2002 when Emmitt Smith would break Payton's record
This princess married Prince Charles on July 29, 1981
Who is Princess Diana
1980s fact - The “Royal Wedding” was attended by 3,500 guest and viewed by more than 750 million people around the world.
This “music television” station launched on
August 1, 1981.
What is MTV
1980s fact - The first video to premiere on MTV was “The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star”
This gaming system saw its first limited U.S. release on October 18, 1985
What is the Nintendo
1980s fact - The first U.S. city to get a Nintendo? - New York City. The Nintendo corporation was worried it would be a flop…it wasn’t!
On January 28, 1986 this space shuttle exploded 73 seconds after liftoff.
What is the Space Shuttle Challenger?
1980s fact - Challenger crewmember Christa McAuliffe was a elementary teacher from New Hampshire. She beat out over 11,000 applicants to be selected as the first teacher in space.
With the third pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. The Chicago Bulls select…
Who is Michael Jordan?
1980s fact - The two players picked before the greatest basketball player of all time…
1.Houston Rockets - Hakeem Olajuwon
2.Portland Trailblazers - Sam Bowie
April 26, 1986. This nuclear disaster took place in present day Ukraine.
What is Chernobyl
1980s fact - The entire population of the nearby town of Pripyat was evacuated on April 27, 1986. Pripyat still stands today as it did on April 27, 1986.
This celtics legend was the 1984, 85 & 86 NBA MVP.
Who is Larry Bird
1980s fact - Larry Bird wore #33 in High School, College & his NBA career. Bird would be elected to the HOF in 1998.
Held in Madison Square Garden on March 31, 1985 this wrestling event featured Hulk Hogan, Mr. T & many others.
What is wrestlemania?
1980s fact - Wrestlemania I attendance was 19,121. Wrestlemania 32, held in 2016 attendance was 101,763
At 8:32am on May 18, 1980, this volcano erupted in Washington state.
What is Mt. St. Helens
1980s fact - The eruption would claim the lives of 57 people.
In a very unpopular move, the Edmonton Oilers trade #99 to the Los Angeles Kings on August 9,1988.
Who is Wayne Gretzky?
“The Great One”
1980s fact - Gretzky had already won 4 Stanley Cups with the Oilers before he was traded. Gretzky would go on to score a record 894 goals in his career.
This symbolic division between East & West Germany came down on November 9, 1989.
What is the Berlin Wall
1980s fact - The fall of the Berlin Wall was actually an accident. Due to a communication error, the East German authorities accidently announced that travel between East & West Germany was now fully open.
This movie set in the 1950s was released in 1983.
What is “The Outsiders”
1980s fact - When Dallas falls out of his chair at the Drive-In, it was completely accidental. However, the director decided to keep it in the film as he couldn’t stop laughing at the result.
The first reported cases of this 1980s defining illness in the United States came in June of 1981
What is AIDS
1980s fact - AIDS stands for, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
March 30, 1981…this President is shot while leaving a speaking engagement in Washington D.C. He would survive.
Who is Ronald Reagan
1980s fact - Upon seeing his wife after the assassination attempt, Reagan’s first words to his wife Nancy… “Honey, I forgot to duck.”
On October 17, 1989…this “series” was stopped because of an earthquake.
What is the World Series
1980s fact - The game was played between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics. The earthquake measured a 7.1 & would result in 63 deaths in the Bay area.
Location of Chinese student protest from April - June of 1989.
What is Tianamen Square
1980s fact - The photograph of a lone Chinese man standing in front of a row of tanks approaching Tiananmen square remains one of the most iconic images to come out of Tiananmen Square. However, we have no idea who the man is…his identity remains a mystery.
This Disney theme park opened in 1982.
What is Epcot.
1980s fact - Epcot is twice the size of the Magic Kingdom covering 300 acres.
In March of 1983, this shiny disc first made it appearance in your local record store.
What is a CD?
1980s fact - In 1983, 209 million records/albums were sold while only 770,000 CDs were sold.
September 12, 1985. This 1912 shipwreck is discovered.
What is the RMS Titanic
980s fact - The Titanic was found by accident. The Navy was actually looking for two nuclear submarines. After quickly finding the submarines…they went looking for the Titanic.
The 1980 U.S. Hockey teams game against this country came to be known as the “Miracle on Ice”
What is Russia
1980s fact - The Russian team had previously beaten the American team 10 - 3 in the final exhibition game before the Olympics.
This woman became the first woman Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Who is Margaret Thatcher
1980s fact - Thatcher’s nickname during her time as Prime Minister… “The Iron Lady”.
This famous family make their first appearance on the Tracy Ullman show in 1987.
Who are “The Simpsons"?
980s fact - The Simpsons currently ranks as the longest running TV sitcom with 33 seasons!