1981 Happenings

Ronald Reagan becomes U.S. President

Minutes after Ronald Reagan becomes president, Iran releases 52 American hostages that had been held captive for 444 days

President Reagan is shot in the chest by would be assassin John Hinkley

Space shuttle Columbia, the world's first reusable spacecraft, is sent into space

A suspended walkway in the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel collapses, killing 113

After 19 years presenting the CBS Evening News, Walter Cronkite signs off for the last time.
First running of the London Marathon

The first IBM PC is introduced.

Lady Diana Spencer marries Charles, Prince of Wales.

Mark David Chapman is sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for murdering John Lennon.

The Pee-wee Herman Show airs as a special on HBO.

Sandra Day O'Connor was the 102nd Justice sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the first woman to hold the office.

Anwar al-Sadat is assassinated.

Professional cheerleader Krazy George Henderson leads what is thought to be the first audience wave in Oakland, California.

A female former lover files a "palimony" suit against tennis star Billie Jean King

President Reagan appoints Sandra Day O'Connor to be the first woman on the Supreme Court

Alicia Keys, Elijah Wood, Kelly Rowland, Anna Kournikova, and Britney Spears are born

Raiders of the Lost Ark is the top grossing film

"Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes spends the most time at the top of the US charts

MTV debuts on cable television, playing music videos 24 hours a day

Gimme a Break premiers

The US Agriculture Department trys making ketchup a school lunch vegetable.

Pope John Paul is shot outside St. Peter's Square

Pacman, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Galaga - all released as video game mania sweeps the country.

Matthew "Stymie" Beard Jr., famed child actor in the Our Gang film series, dies at 56.

Movies & TV
Birth of MTV ("Video Killed the Radio Star")
Dynasty Premieres
Hill Street Blues premieres
Luke and Laura's wedding (General Hospital)
Private satelite dishes are given the ok by the FCC

Some Popular Movies:
American Werewolf in London
Arthur
Chariots of Fire (Academy Awards' Best Picture)
Cheech and Chong's Nice Dreams
Elephant Man
For Your Eyes Only
Mommie Dearest
On Golden Pond
Ordinary People
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Stripes

Sports
Super Bowl - Oakland def. Philadelphia (27-10)
World Series - Dodgers def. Yankees (4-2)
NBA Championship - Boston def. Houston (4-2)
Stanley Cup - Islanders def. Minnesota (4-1)
NCAA Basketball - Indian def. North Carolina (63-50)
NCAA Football - Clemson (12-0-0)

Wimbledon
Women: Chris Evert Lloyd d. H. Mandlikova (6-2 6-2)
Men: John McEnroe d. B. Borg (4-6 7-6 7-6 6-4)

Music World
Album of the Year "Christopher Cross" Christopher Cross
Best New Artist - Sheena Easton

Billboard Top 10
10. Rapture - Blondie
9. Celebration - Kool and the Gang
8. Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield
7. Private Eyes - Hall and Oates
6. Morning Train - Sheena Easton
5. Kiss on my List - Hall and Oates
4. Arthur's Theme - Christopher Cross
3. Endless Love - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
2. Physical - Olivia Newton-John
1. Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes