Eco- Friendly Innovations
An oil crisis in the ’70s helped spur the development of this type of power from our closest star.
What is solar power? The first solar power plant came online in California in the 1980s
In 1984, women were first allowed to compete in this lengthy Olympic running event.
What is the marathon? The race was held in Los Angeles and won by American runner Joan Benoit.
This famous Mark’s stories were the inspiration for 1998’s A Knight in Camelot and 1983’s Sawyer and Finn.
Who is Mark Twain? His works have been adapted into many films and TV shows throughout the decades.
National parks opened in this state in 1980 included Gates of the Arctic and Glacier Bay.
What is Alaska? That year saw seven total national parks open in Alaska.
This beloved ’70s rom-com is directed by and stars Woody Allen alongside Diane Keaton.
What is Annie Hall? The film won many awards, including the Oscar for Best Director and Best Picture.
Short for light-emitting diodes, energy-friendly bulbs called by this abbreviation came on the market between 1962 and 1993
What are LED bulbs? The blue LED was developed by Shuji Nakamura in 1993 and won him the Nobel Prize in Physic
Olympic events added in the 1990s include this women’s bat-andball sport.
What is softball? It was added in 1996 along with women’s soccer.
This Mark is known for his role on Shark Tank; he got his start selling startups in the 1990s.
Who is Mark Cuban? He now owns a stake in the Dallas Mavericks and produces films.
Called the most magical parks on Earth, this company opened theme parks in Florida, Tokyo, and Paris between the 1970s and ’90s.
What is Disney (or Disneyland)? Tokyo Disneyland was their first theme park built outside the United States.
One of the most successful movie musicals and an iconic romcom, this 1978 film features ’50s teens Danny and Sandy
What is Grease? The film was director Randal Kleiser’s debut and is still popular today.
Despite controversial origins, this paperless form of mail was invented during the 1970s and has been saving paper ever since.
What is email? Various tech innovators lay claim to its invention, and the term email gained traction in the 1980s.
In this sport, Janet Guthrie was the first woman to qualify for the Indy 500 and Daytona 500 in the same year
What is auto racing? She was inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 2020.
This Mark is best known as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars film franchise.
Who is Mark Hamill? Hamill has also produced and directed films, including a 2005 Lego adaptation of Star Wars.
This national park is a collection of sites showcasing the revolutionary history of one city in Massachusetts and including the USS Constitution
What is Boston National Historical Park? The park includes many sites like the Freedom Trail and Black Heritage Trail.
This rom-com is recognizable just from a few big names: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, and director Garry Marshall.
What is Pretty Woman? The costars had incredible chemistry from their first meeting, with Roberts convincing Gere to take the role.
Organic, natural products gained popularity in the 1970s, including this staple food that is a mix of grains, nuts, and dried fruits.
What is granola? Brands like Quaker Oats, Kellogg’s, and General Mills began to commercially produce the crunchy favorite.
In 1975, Jackie Tonawanda, called the “female Ali,” sued for the right to face men in this combative sport.
What is boxing? Tonawanda went on to get a second-round knockout against male opponent Larry Rodania.
This defensive center (number 53) for the Utah Jazz holds the NBA’s single-season block record.
Who is Mark Eaton? The Jazz retired his number in honor of his successful 10-year career with them.
This kind of theme park, specializing in aquatic pursuits, surged in popularity during the 1980s.
What are water parks? With their towering slides, wave pools, and summer appeal, water parks became staples of American leisure in the 1980s
In 1989, Billy Crystal met Meg Ryan as this pair of friends caught up in will-they-won’t-they
Who are Harry and Sally? One of the most beloved quotes from When Harry Met Sally is when Harry confesses, “I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible
Discoveries in the 1980s led to various environmental innovations and efforts to repair this layer of the atmosphere.
What is the ozone layer? Scientists found that CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons, for those in the know) were depleting this important layer.
In 1970, she organized the “Original Nine” tennis greats for a women’s tournament, with a symbolic one-dollar contract.
Who is Billie Jean King? King’s efforts on the tournament laid the groundwork for the Women’s Tennis Association Tour and for equal pay.
This actor and musician, sometimes known as Marky Mark, transitioned from early ’90s music sensation to serious actor.
Who is Mark Wahlberg? His rise to fame came with a record contract for his music group, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.
On October 31, 1994, California opened two national parks: Death Valley, and this one named for a tree said to resemble a Biblical figure.
What is Joshua Tree National Park? Mormon settlers named the tree after the Biblical figure Joshua, believing the trees’ outstretched branches resembled him raising his hands in prayer.
Quirky rom-com Joe Versus the Volcano stars him as the title character, a man ready to sacrifice himself in a tropical volcano.
Who is Tom Hanks? The movie marked the first time of many that Hanks would star alongside Meg Ryan.