The Miracle On Ice

The 1980 United States Olympic hockey team, also known as the "Miracle on Ice" team, is perhaps one of the most iconic and memorable sports teams in American history. The team, made up of amateur and collegiate players and led by head coach Herb Brooks, faced seemingly insurmountable odds as they prepared to compete against the heavily favored Soviet Union in the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.

In the years leading up to the 1980 Winter Olympics, the Soviet Union had dominated international hockey, winning gold medals in every Olympics since 1964. The United States team, on the other hand, had never won a gold medal in hockey and had not medaled at all since the 1960 Winter Olympics. Despite this, Brooks and his team were determined to make a statement and prove that they could compete with the best in the world.

To prepare for the Olympics, Brooks put the team through rigorous training, including intense physical conditioning and drills designed to improve their on-ice skills. He also implemented a strict system of discipline and accountability, demanding that each player give their all in every practice and game.

The team's hard work paid off as they cruised through the early rounds of the Olympics, defeating teams from Norway, Romania, and West Germany to advance to the medal round. In their final game of the preliminary round, the United States faced off against the heavily favored Soviet Union, a team that had defeated them 10-3 just months earlier in an exhibition game.

Despite being heavy underdogs, the United States team played with grit and determination, shocking the Soviet Union with a 4-3 victory. The game, which has been dubbed the "Miracle on Ice," is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The United States team went on to win the gold medal, defeating Finland in the championship game. The team's victory was hailed as a major upset and a major triumph for American sports. The team was welcomed home as heroes and the game was broadcast on television to a national audience, becoming one of the most watched events in American television history. The 1980 United States Olympic hockey team is remembered as a symbol of hope and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. The team's victory over the Soviet Union was seen as a victory for the United States during a time of Cold War tensions and a symbol of American resilience and determination. The team's legacy lives on as a reminder of the power of teamwork, perseverance, and determination.

Top Grossing Music Artists of the 80's

The Top Grossing Musical Acts of the 1980s

The 1980s were a golden age for popular music, with a wide range of musical acts achieving commercial success and becoming household names. Some of the biggest names in music during the decade included rock bands, pop stars, and hip hop artists, who all contributed to the rich and diverse music scene of the time.

One of the top grossing musical acts of the 1980s was British rock band Queen. Led by frontman Freddie Mercury, Queen were known for their catchy and theatrical rock anthems, such as "Another One Bites the Dust," "We Will Rock You," and "Bohemian Rhapsody." The band's album "The Game" was a major commercial success and became one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s. Queen's energetic live performances and memorable music videos helped to make them one of the most popular and influential bands of the decade.

Another top grossing act of the 1980s was American pop singer Madonna. Madonna rose to fame in the early 1980s with hits like "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl," and went on to become one of the most successful and influential pop stars of all time. Madonna's blend of catchy pop melodies, provocative lyrics, and controversial music videos helped to make her a household name and a cultural icon. Madonna's albums "Like a Virgin" and "True Blue" were both major commercial successes and became two of the best-selling albums of the 1980s.

Other top grossing musical acts of the 1980s included American rock band Journey, whose album "Escape" became one of the best-selling albums of the decade, and American hip hop group Run-D.M.C., whose innovative blend of rap and rock music helped to popularize hip hop and bring it into the mainstream. Other popular acts of the 1980s included Michael Jackson, Prince, and U2, all of whom had major commercial success and helped to shape the music of the decade.

In addition to these top grossing acts, the 1980s were a time of great diversity in popular music, with a wide range of genres and styles achieving commercial success. From punk and new wave to heavy metal and funk, the 1980s saw a proliferation of musical styles and a vibrant and exciting music scene. Many of the top grossing acts of the 1980s went on to become enduring cultural icons and continue to influence music and popular culture to this day.

US Festival Rock Concert

The US Festival Rock Concert

The US Festival was a series of rock concerts held in Southern California in the 1980s. The festivals, which were organized by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, were known for their impressive lineup of performers and their innovative use of technology. The US Festival was a major cultural event of the 1980s and helped to shape the music and entertainment landscape of the time.

The first US Festival was held in 1982 in San Bernardino, California, and featured performances by a wide range of artists, including Fleetwood Mac, the Police, the Talking Heads, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The festival was a major success, drawing over 350,000 attendees and establishing itself as a major cultural event of the 1980s. In 1983, the US Festival returned with a second event, this time featuring performances by the likes of David Bowie, the Clash, and Van Halen. The second US Festival was even more successful than the first, attracting over 400,000 attendees.

In addition to the impressive lineup of performers, the US Festival was known for its innovative use of technology. The festivals featured large video screens, state-of-the-art sound systems, and other advanced technological features that helped to create an immersive and memorable concert experience. The US Festival was also notable for its focus on community and social responsibility, with a portion of the proceeds from the event going to charity and a number of educational and cultural events taking place alongside the concerts.

Despite its initial success, the US Festival struggled financially and was unable to continue beyond the 1983 event. Steve Wozniak, who had funded the festivals largely out of his own pocket, lost a significant amount of money on the events and was forced to declare bankruptcy. Despite the financial failure of the US Festival, the concerts left a lasting legacy and remain an important part of music and entertainment history.

The US Festival rock concerts were a major cultural event of the 1980s, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees and featuring performances by some of the biggest names in music. The festivals were known for their innovative use of technology and their focus on community and social responsibility, and helped to shape the music and entertainment landscape of the time. While the US Festival was ultimately unable to continue beyond the 1983 event, it remains an important part of music and entertainment history and a testament to the enduring power of rock music and live performance.

Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster was a catastrophic event that occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. The disaster, which is considered the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, resulted in the release of large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere, causing widespread contamination and long-term environmental and health consequences.

The disaster occurred during a routine test at the power plant's Unit 4 reactor, which involved shutting down the reactor's safety systems in order to test the turbine generator. The test was carried out in a manner that was not in accordance with the plant's operating procedures, and a series of errors and misjudgments led to a sudden power surge and an explosion in the reactor. The explosion caused the reactor's core to rupture, resulting in a fire that burned for several days and released large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere.

The disaster caused significant loss of life and widespread contamination. Two plant workers were killed in the explosion, and 28 more died in the following months from acute radiation sickness. In the years following the disaster, thousands of people, including plant workers, firefighters, and first responders, were exposed to high levels of radiation, and many developed serious health problems as a result. The disaster also had a severe impact on the environment, contaminating large areas of land and water and causing long-term health consequences for both humans and wildlife.

The disaster had far-reaching consequences, both in the Soviet Union and beyond. The Soviet government initially tried to cover up the extent of the disaster, but the release of large amounts of radioactive material made it impossible to hide. The disaster sparked international outrage and concern, and the Soviet government was criticized for its handling of the crisis and its lack of transparency. The disaster also had a significant impact on the global nuclear industry, leading to increased safety measures and regulations in nuclear power plants around the world.

The Chernobyl disaster had a profound impact on the people and communities affected by it. Many people were forced to leave their homes and communities due to the high levels of contamination, and many still face health and environmental consequences as a result of the disaster. The disaster also had a significant economic impact, causing damage to agriculture, forestry, and other industries in the affected region.

In the years following the disaster, efforts were made to clean up the contaminated areas and to decommission the power plant. A concrete sarcophagus was built to contain the damaged reactor, and in 2016, a new confinement structure was completed to replace the sarcophagus. The cleanup and decommissioning process is expected to take several more decades, and the long-term impact of the disaster on the environment and human health is still not fully understood.

The Chernobyl disaster serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of nuclear power and the importance of safety measures and regulations in the nuclear industry. It is a reminder of the need to be prepared for and to respond effectively to unforeseen events and disasters, and of the long-term consequences of such events on both the environment and human health.

The Injustice of The Central Park Five 1989

The Central Park Five

The Central Park Five refers to a group of five young Black and Latino men who were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a brutal rape that occurred in New York City's Central Park in 1989. The case garnered national attention and sparked outrage over the injustice of the convictions, as well as the broader issues of racial profiling and police misconduct.

The case began on the night of April 19, 1989, when a woman jogging in Central Park was brutally attacked and raped. Five young men - Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise - were arrested and charged with the crime. All of the men were between the ages of 14 and 16 at the time, and four of them were from Harlem, while the fifth was from the Bronx.

The men, who became known as the Central Park Five, maintained their innocence from the start. However, they were coerced into giving false confessions by the police, who used tactics such as intimidation, threats, and physical abuse to extract the statements. The men were not allowed to see their parents or lawyers during the interrogation process, and some were even denied food and water.

Despite the lack of physical evidence linking them to the crime, the Central Park Five were convicted and sentenced to prison. Four of them - McCray, Richardson, Salaam, and Santana - were given sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years, while Wise, who was older at the time of the crime, was given a sentence of 5 to 15 years as an adult.

The Central Park Five's convictions were met with widespread outrage and criticism, as many people believed that they had been wrongly convicted due to racial profiling and police misconduct. The case also drew attention to the larger issues of systemic racism and injustice within the criminal justice system.

In 2002, a man named Matias Reyes confessed to the crime and DNA evidence confirmed his guilt. The Central Park Five were subsequently exonerated and released from prison, but their lives had already been irrevocably damaged by the years they spent behind bars.

The Central Park Five's story has been told in numerous forms, including a documentary film titled "The Central Park Five" and a Netflix miniseries called "When They See Us." The case has also inspired numerous books, articles, and plays, and has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the United States.

Despite their exoneration, the Central Park Five have faced ongoing struggles in the aftermath of their wrongful convictions. They have had to deal with the trauma of their experience, as well as the difficulties of reintegrating into society after spending years in prison.

In 2014, the City of New York reached a settlement with the Central Park Five, agreeing to pay them a total of $41 million in compensation for their wrongful convictions. However, the men have stated that no amount of money can make up for the years they lost due to the injustice they experienced.

The Central Park Five's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and the need to address systemic racism and injustice within the criminal justice system. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and serves as a beacon of hope for those who continue to fight for justice and equality.

Iran-Contra Affair Scandal

The Iran-Contra Affair

The Iran-Contra affair was a political scandal that occurred during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. It involved the illegal sale of arms to Iran and the use of the proceeds to fund rebel groups in Nicaragua, in violation of a Congressional ban. The affair ultimately led to the indictment of several high-ranking officials and damaged Reagan's reputation.

Background

In the 1980s, the United States was embroiled in a number of conflicts around the world, including the Cold War with the Soviet Union and the civil war in Nicaragua. In an effort to counter the spread of communism in Central America, the Reagan administration supported the Contra rebels in Nicaragua, who were fighting against the socialist Sandinista government.

However, Congress had passed the Boland Amendment, which prohibited the use of federal funds to support the Contras. In an attempt to bypass this ban, Reagan's administration secretly sold arms to Iran, a country that was under an arms embargo, and used the proceeds to fund the Contras. The arms sales were part of a larger effort to secure the release of American hostages held in Lebanon by Iranian-backed terrorists.

Revelation and Fallout

The Iran-Contra affair came to light in 1986, when a plane carrying weapons for the Contras was shot down in Nicaragua. The ensuing investigation revealed the illegal arms sales and the use of the proceeds to fund the Contras. Reagan initially denied knowledge of the affair, but later admitted that he had authorized the arms sales to Iran.

Several high-ranking officials, including National Security Adviser John Poindexter and Assistant Secretary of State Elliott Abrams, were indicted on charges related to the affair. Reagan's approval ratings plummeted as a result of the scandal, and he was widely criticized for his role in the affair.

Consequences and Legacy

The Iran-Contra affair had far-reaching consequences for the Reagan administration and the country as a whole. It led to the indictment of several officials and damaged Reagan's reputation, as he was widely seen as having broken the law and lied about his involvement in the affair. The scandal also contributed to a loss of trust in government and political institutions, as many Americans became disillusioned with the idea that their leaders were not acting in their best interests.

Despite the negative consequences of the affair, Reagan's presidency had many accomplishments, including the successful negotiations of a number of arms control agreements with the Soviet Union and the appointment of several conservative judges to the Supreme Court. The Iran-Contra affair remains a significant event in American history and is remembered as a cautionary tale of the dangers of abuse of power and the importance of transparency and accountability in government.

Presidency Of Ronald Reagan 1981-1989

The Presidency of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s

Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1981 to 1989. During his presidency, Reagan implemented a number of significant policies and initiatives that had a lasting impact on the country.

Accomplishments

One of Reagan's major accomplishments was his successful efforts to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. He signed into law a number of measures that cut taxes, reduced regulations, and limited the powers of federal agencies. These policies helped to stimulate economic growth and led to a significant increase in wealth and prosperity for many Americans.

Reagan's foreign policy was also a key part of his legacy. He oversaw the end of the Cold War, which had lasted for decades and had threatened the security of the United States and its allies. Reagan negotiated a series of arms control agreements with the Soviet Union, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which eliminated a class of nuclear weapons from both countries.

Reagan's presidency also saw the appointment of several conservative judges to the Supreme Court, including Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, who have had a lasting impact on the direction of the court.

Failures

Reagan's presidency was not without its failures, however. One of the most significant was the Iran-Contra affair, in which Reagan's administration was found to have illegally sold arms to Iran and used the proceeds to fund rebel groups in Nicaragua. The scandal resulted in several high-ranking officials being indicted and damaged Reagan's reputation.

Reagan's economic policies also faced criticism. While they helped to spur economic growth, they also led to an increase in income inequality and left many Americans behind. Reagan's cuts to social programs, particularly those that helped the poor and disadvantaged, were also controversial and sparked protests and criticism.

In addition, Reagan's environmental policies were seen as weak, and his administration was criticized for not doing enough to address climate change and protect the environment.

Policies

One of Reagan's key policies was his economic plan, known as Reaganomics. This plan included a number of measures designed to stimulate economic growth, including a significant reduction in taxes, particularly for the wealthy and for businesses. Reagan also cut regulations and limited the powers of federal agencies, particularly those that were seen as hindering economic growth.

Reagan's foreign policy focused on strengthening the military and taking a hard line against the Soviet Union and communism. He increased military spending and pursued a number of strategic initiatives, including the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a program designed to develop a missile defense system to protect the United States from nuclear attack.

Reagan's environmental policies were seen as weak, and he faced criticism for not doing enough to address issues such as climate change and pollution. He did, however, sign into law the Superfund legislation, which established a program to clean up hazardous waste sites, and the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of certain ozone-depleting chemicals.

1980's Fashion Fads

The Bold and Bright Styles of the 1980s

The 1980s was a decade of bold fashion choices and loud, colorful styles. From shoulder pads and leg warmers to neon colors and graphic prints, the 80s were all about making a statement with your clothes. Let's take a look back at some of the most iconic fashion trends of the 1980s.

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly in suits and dresses. These padded inserts were meant to give the appearance of broad shoulders and a more structured silhouette. Shoulder pads became so popular that they could be found in just about every type of garment, from jackets and blazers to blouses and even swimsuits.

Leg Warmers

Leg warmers were a trend that originated in the 1980s as a way to keep legs warm during exercise. They quickly gained popularity as a fashion accessory, and could be found in a variety of colors and patterns. Leg warmers were often worn over leggings or tights, and could be paired with shorts, skirts, or even dresses. They became especially popular among dancers and aerobics enthusiasts.

Neon Colors

Bright, neon colors were all the rage in the 1980s. These bold hues could be found on just about everything, from clothing and accessories to makeup and hairstyles. Popular neon shades included pink, green, orange, and yellow. Neon colors were often paired with black or other neutral tones to create a high-contrast look.

Graphic Prints

Graphic prints, such as bold stripes, polka dots, and abstract patterns, were also popular in the 1980s. These prints could be found on a variety of garments, including dresses, tops, skirts, and even shoes and bags. Graphic prints were often paired with solid-colored pieces to create a playful and eclectic look.

Other Iconic 1980s Styles

Other iconic fashion trends of the 1980s included:

• Ripped and distressed jeans
• Leather jackets and skirts
• Big, bold hair and makeup
• Overalls and jumpsuits
• Sweatshirt dresses

Conclusion

The 1980s were a decade of bold and bright fashion choices. From shoulder pads and leg warmers to neon colors and graphic prints, the 80s were all about making a statement with your clothes. While many of these trends may not be as popular today, they will always be remembered as a defining feature of the 1980s fashion sce

Space Shuttle Challenger Explodes - Jan 28th 1986

January 28th, 1986. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in 11th grade at the time, and we were watching it, live in Science class.

We all took our seats, and started in anticipation to watch the countdown.

This was a very exciting event, it gave us all a 'free period' which was always nice, and I personally had never seen a shuttle launch.

Countdown - LAUNCH. Within 73 seconds, the shuttle exploded, killing seven of it's passengers , 5 NASA astronauts and 2 payload specialists, we all just sat there, jaws dropped, wondering what the hell we just witnessed.

One of the payload specialists was Christa McAuliffe who was a teacher. This was huge, and was the main reason we were permitted to watch the launch in school.

After the disaster NASA suspended the program for 32 months. It led to an extensive investigation and the formation of the Rogers Commission , appointed by president Reagan to find out how this tragedy occurred.

The Rogers Commission determined that NASA had a flaw in the construction of its O-rings and that the temperature to launch that day was most likely too cold to launch. NASA never properly tested a shuttle launch in those cool conditions.

1989 Berlin Wall Comes Down

Berlin Wall Comes Down - 1989

The official date in history the Berlin Wall came down was was November 9, 1989, but the Wall was not taken down entirely on that date.

People came with sledge hammers (like this guy pictured), chisels, or anything else they could get their hands on to get a souvenir of this chunk of history.

The Berlin Wall was built by East Germany (starting in 1961) to cut off West Germany and West Berlin. The reason behind this blockade, was to keep West Germany from spreading its 'facist' beliefs.

You can imagine how unhappy this made German citizens. They could not visit their family or friends freely.

During the period of time between 1961 and 1989, there were 100 deaths related to people trying to climb over the Wall to defect to West Germany.

Anyone caught trying to jump the wall, was subject to violent response by soldiers.

In 1989, political change started to take place in East Germany. The East German government announced that people would be permitted to visit the West, and this lead to throngs of citizens hopping from side to side, and they all started to party.

Hooray! 

Cocaine Use Explodes in the 80's

Cocaine Usage Hits New Peak in the 80's

The 80's was truly a decade of excess. Big hair, outlandish fashions, outrageous parties. It was fun indeed, but Cocaine use in the 80's was no laughing matter.

Cocaine usage reached an all time high in the mid 1980's.  The reason being there was an over-abundance of the drug  at the time, thus the price was right. You did not need to be rich to indulge.

It was being shipped to Miami from the outer islands of the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, and these Islands had shit loads of it. The basic principle of supply and demand caused a price drop of almost 80%. At the time also, the US was not too up to speed on stopping it. It's estimated over 8 million Americans were using Cocaine in the 80's.

Crack Rears Its Ugly Head

To make matters worse, a new form of Cocaine, Crack hit the streets in large scale around 1984. Crack was even cheaper to buy then traditional Cocaine, and first reared it's ugly head in  Los Angeles.

Soon, it became an epidemic in most inner cities. By 1986 Crack appeared on the streets of over 48 major US cities.

This ugly drug led to increases in poverty, crime, unemployment, violence and inevitably death.


There is no doubt the 80's were a magical time in my eyes. This is one part of culture and history we truly could of done without.

Just Say No Anti Drug Slogan

1982 Just Say No Campaign

In 1982, First Lady Nancy Reagan, on a visit to an elementary school was asked by a little girl what should she do if offered drugs? Mrs. Reagan  replied, 'Just Say No'. So started the famous phrase which became a everlasting staple and butt of jokes in the 1980's.

The Reagan Administration's War on Drugs, was already in full effect at the time, now the catchy slogan could be attached to the anti drug campaign.

You really have to hand it to Nancy Reagan, she did work hard on this, and the famous slogan really did take off.

Just Say No programs and clubs were started in schools across the nation (over 5,000). Nancy Reagan appeared on morning talk shows spreading the message.

She even appeared in episodes of the TV shows Different Strokes and Punky Brewster in episodes that dealt with the anti drug program. She was everywhere!  

Just Say No was everywhere in the 80's. You could not escape it. She even took the campaign international in 1985. The United Kingdom started a 'Drugwatch' program, based on the Just Say No Campaign.

Later on, the famous phrase was not just limited to drugs, as Just Say No was also used to discourage premarital sex.  The program suffered it's share of criticism as it was seen too costly in many eyes. Other issues at the time - unemployment and poverty were not given the attention they deserved so said many critics.

Take a look at this PSA for Just Say No - and people wonder why the campaign was not taken seriously by some? Please, try to contain your laughter , this was serious stuff !

The Cosby Show 80's TV

Cosby Show Premieres 1984

The Cosby show premiered in 1984 and ran for eight seasons until 1992. It was hugely popular and became the biggest television show of the 80's.

The comedy program is credited with reviving the genre of sitcoms for NBC, which at the time, was lagging far behind in ratings under ABC and CBS.

Cosby show was also influential as it was really the the first TV shows to feature an all African American cast.  

That's right, without Cosby there would probably had never been a Fresh Prince or In Living Color. Will Smith has given his props to Mr Cosby many times.

The Cosby show dealt with the goings on of an Upper Class New York City family. Dr Huxtable (Bill Cosby) and his wife Claire (Phylicia Rashad) were the parents of four children, and they dealt with family problems, which most families had in real life.

No matter how hard these kids tried , if they did something wrong, Dr Huxtable would always find out. There was no sneaking anything by Bill Cosby that's for sure.

The cast of kids included Theo (Malcolm Jamal Warner) , he who seemed to have a hard time with school work, and difficulty living up to his dad's success. The beautiful Lisa Bonet who played Denise, Tempestt Bledsoe (Vanessa).

The one who really stole the Cosby show week after week, was the youngest. Keisha Knight Pulliam (Rudy). Aw, she was so cute! 

Rubik's Cube

1980 Rubik's Cube Popularity Explodes

The Rubik's Cube was originally invented in 1974, but reached the peak of it's popularity in 1980. It was invented by Hungarian Professor Emo Rubik.

It was a puzzle game, where the object was to match up all the colors on every side. This was one 80's toy that really pissed me off, I could never solve it.

People were fascinated by this square 3 dimensional puzzle. Rubik's became a standard to measure one's intelligence. I guess this makes me a dunce.

When a friend of mine came over to show me he solved mystery of the Rubik's , I was amazed at what a genius he was.

The Rubik's Cube is still available to buy today. Click here to buy one and see if your kids can put down the video game controller long enough to try and solve it, I know my kid won't. As of 2013, Rubik's Cube  has sold over 370 millions unit worldwide.

1989 Tiananmen Square Protests

Protests and Massacre In Tiananmen Square

Starting on  April 3, 1989 a mass movement was held in China's Tiananmen Square. Chinese citizens were protesting against the government, and it's dictatorship, demanding a democratic reform.

The three month demonstration ended in unspeakable bloodshed. What took place the evening of June 4, 1989 was an atrocity committed by the Chinese government which went down in history as the Massacre In Tiananmen Square.

Martial Law Declared

The famous Tank Man photo

Initially, when the protests began, they were just brushed off by the Government. 

As time went on, however, support for the protesters spread to over 400 cities outside of Beijing. The movement was spreading.

Out of fear, Martial Law was declared, and over 300,000 troops were deployed to Beijing.

Foreign reporters were deported, multiple arrests were made, and local news was forbidden to report truthfully on what was going on.

Troops Open Fire

Innocent Citizens Killed

On the fateful day of June 4, troops stormed Beijing's Tiananmen Square to put an end to what was called a 'riot'.

They unloaded and shot everyone and everything who stood in their way. Tanks and soldiers tore through the Square, leaving in their wake a sea of dead bodies.

We may never know the total death toll left behind in this horrible event, as the Chinese government has never released a true number. Some reports say hundreds, but many believe the body count was in the thousands.

Many Western countries, including the United States condemned this act by the Chinese government , and placed trade embargoes on China and other sanctions.

1980's Video Vixens

Top Video Vixens of the 80's

Tawny Kitaen gets my nod as the top video vixen of the 80's. The image of her dancing on top of the Jaguars in Whitesnake's 'Here I Go Again ' video (1987), is permanently etched in my mind.

Damn, was she hot. I would watch MTV all day long to see this video, and could watch it over and again.

Kitaen also appeared in Whitesnake's 'Still of the Night' and 'Is This Love'. She was married to lead singer David Coverdale for about six years.

Not many people realize that Tawny graced the cover of Ratt's album 'Out of the Cellar'. Kitaen played opposite of Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party (1984) as his soon to be bride.

Unfortunately, time was not kind to Kitaen. She has been in and out of rehab since 2006, and looked like an absolute train wreck in the VH1 reality series' Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab.

I wish her the best. At least we got this great video to watch over and over again! It's pure poetry.

Warrant's Cherry Pie Girl

Here is the simply ravishing Bobbie Brown, from the infamous Warrant video for Cherry Pie. The video was released in 1990, but hey, close enough to the 80's. 

Her hotness belongs on this list. Classic video, the best part was when she got hosed down by the boys, in their mock firefighter outfits. Nothing better than a hot, wet blonde beauty.

Of course another classic bit of the video was when a piece of cherry pie fell into her lap. Remember that?

Hot for Teacher Babe

Well, unfortunately I never had a teacher this hot. But the boys in Van Halen apparently did! 

The video for Hot for Teacher (1984) featured this leggy blonde strutting around in high heels and sexy blue bikini. She had the boys in Van Halen (their school age clones) going absolutely crazy! 

If anyone cares, her real name is Lillian Muller, and she is now 60 years old. Holy sh*t how old am I now?

80's Television Miami Vice

Miami Vice 1984-1989

If you were a drug dealer operating in Miami, in the 80's, then you had better been wary of Crockett and Tubbs.

Miami Vice was a crime drama that enjoyed a nice five year run. This television show was truly an original.

Vice was truly unique the way it blended music with action. The tunes added to the atmosphere of the program, and it was perfectly incorporated  into the show.

Miami Vice has been heralded by many television experts as a true original. Many other crime dramas to come after it were molded in its style, but never captured the magic.

Don Johnson (Sonny Crockett) was so cool with the perfect amount of stubble on his face. Johnson said his secret was shaving with a side burn trimmer, not a razor. His clothes were perfect for the part - open sports coat, t-shirt , no belt (ever) , and of course he was sock less in his loafers.

My favorite Crockett ensemble was the pink T and grey jacket. Yes, this spawned a mini fashion craze for men.

Miami Vice is still in syndication today, and it can be seen on some networks (check with your cable provider). If you have never seen it, give it a try. If you are familiar, take a another look, you know you love it.

Buy Miami Vice on DVD.

Live Aid Benefit Concert

1985 Live Aid

Live Aid was a benefit concert held on July 13th, 1985. The purpose was to provide funds to aid Ethiopian famine. 

Live Aid was held simultaneously at two venues. London's Wembley Stadium and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

Organized by Bob Geldof, this was a huge event, literally the world was watching. Via MTV and satellite link ups. an estimated 2 billion people watched, in an estimated 150 countries.

Live Aid was a smashing success, and raised more money than Geldof and the other organizers could of imagined. A total of over 283 million dollars was earned.

Huge rock acts were booked to appear, and most did, however some were no shows.

Billy Joel, Boy George, Waylon Jennings, Paul Simon and Huey Lewis and the News, were all included on the promotional poster, but failed to show.

Michael Jackson did not make an appearance, nor did Bruce Springsteen , who was hugely popular at the time, on the heels of 'Born In the Usa'.

Every other huge act in 1980's, and before was there. The Who, Queen, Madonna, U2, Sting, Dire Straits, and others.

Led Zeppelin played a reunion set, but Jimmy Page was unhappy with the sound he got out of his guitar, so the performance was removed on subsequent replays.

Madonna was famously quoted as saying 'Im not taking shit off today', as Live Aid took place soon after her nude pictures were leaked on Playboy and Penthouse.

Top Grossing Movies of the 80's

Blockbuster Movies of the 1980's

Here is a short list of the top grossing movies of the 80's. There was a cute alien, two mega sequels, a caped crusader and an exploring archaeologist who could really handle a whip.

1. ET : The Extra Terrestrial (1982). ET raked in an astounding 435 Million. Not only making it, #1 in the 1980's, but also it is one of the highest grossing films of all time.

ET was so cute he just wanted to phone home. His favorite snack was Reese's pieces, and I am sure the Reese's company can thank him for his plug. Buy it here.

2. Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983). The final episode in the Star Wars saga made 309 Million. 

The Empire was busy constructing a new Death Star, Han was getting rescued from the bounty hunters, and there was the final battle between Luke and Vader. Get it here.

3.) Star Wars Episode V- The Empire Strikes Back (1980). My personal favorite of the Star Wars Saga, brought box off receipts of 290 Million.

The opening in the frozen planet of Hoth was amazing. Intense battle scenes in the frozen tundra of the planet were awesome.

Vader takes Luke's hand clear off.

4) Batman (1989). Tim Burton brought a dark and surreal Gotham City to live in his vision of Batman. Controversy was abound , as Michael Keaton was cast as the caped crusader, but all that negative buzz was squashed after the film was released.

Batman was a great movie. Jack Nicholson seemed to revel in the role of the Joker, you could tell he really enjoyed it. He was born to play the part. You can buy it here.

Driven by Nicholson, Keaton , fantastic imagery and a stunning Kim Basinger, Batman amassed 251 million.

Unfortunately, future sequels which featured Val Kilmer and George Clooney as the caped crusader were pretty awful.

5. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). Harrison Ford traded in his Han Solo duds and became Indiana Jones, in this rollicking action/adventure classic.

He was everything an action hero should be - cunning, funny, charming, and one hell of a master with a whip.

Raiders made 245 million at the box office.

Other notable top grossing movies of the 1980's were the following:

Ghostbusters (1984) - 238 Million
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) - 234 Million
Back to the Future (1985) - 210 Million

Seen them all, loved them all, and can watch over and over again,

1980 US Hockey Team Captures Gold

The Miracle On Ice

At the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, New York , the United States Men's Hockey team captured the gold medal.

The team was made up of mostly collegiate players, and no one gave them much of a chance to skate by the powerhouse Soviets and Finland.

This tremendous sports achievement became known as the Miracle On Ice. 

This miraculous event captured the hearts and minds of all Americans, as it came during the intense period of the Cold War. It was a welcomed distraction to the turmoil at the time that our nation was embroiled in.