Name That 80s Moment In Three Clues! Quiz

Answer: Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II was born Karol Jozef Wojtyla on May 18th, 1920 in the small Polish town of Wadowice. While enrolled at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, he showed a knack for picking up languages and learned over 10 languages which would come in handy later as pontiff. It was after losing his entire immediate family by the age of twenty that he began to seriously consider joining the priesthood. He received his holy orders on All Saints' Day of 1946 and, as a priest, went on to earn two doctorates, one in sacred theology and the second in philosophy.

In addition to his religious writings with which he would publish under his own name, he wrote secular plays and poetry under different pseudonyms, Andrzej Jawien and Stanislaw Andrzej Gruda. In 1958 at the age of 38, he became the youngest bishop in Poland and, five years later, was named Archbishop of Krakow.

It was after the sudden death of Pope John Paul I who was only 33 days into his papacy that Cardinal Wojtyla received his calling into history. Elected pope on October 16th, 1978, he chose the name of John Paul II as a fitting tribute to his short-lived predecessor. Pope John Paul II traveled over one million kilometers during his time as pope and made historic first trips to Mexico, England and Jerusalem.

On May 13th, 1981, as the pope entered St. Peter's Square he was shot by Mehmet Ali Agca multiple times before the assassin was restrained by a nun and other attendees. Perforating his large and small intestines, the pope required emergent surgery and nearly died from blood loss. Two years later, the Pope visited Agca in prison and pardoned him. He remained in jail in Italy until 2000 when he was extradited to Turkey to serve for the crimes of murder and bank raids that took place during the 1970s.

A hugely popular pope during his reign, Pope John Paul II succumbed to an overwhelming infection on April 2nd, 2005. His legacy includes helping foster the end of Communism in Eastern Europe and improving relations with other world religions.

FUN FACT: The Pope's mass in Manila, Philippines on January 15th, 1995 to a crowd numbering over five million is considered the largest single gathering in Christian history.

Answer: Billie Jean

"Billie Jean" began its seven week run at the top on March 5th, 1983. It was the follow up song to his duet with Paul McCartney "The Girl Is Mine" and the second release from his blockbuster album "Thriller". It debuted on the Hot 100 on January 22, 1983 at number 47. It leapfrogged up the chart to 37 then 27 to 23 to 6 to 4 and then to number one. It spent a total of 24 weeks on the Hot 100, 17 weeks in the top 40 with eleven of those in the top ten. The song also topped Billboard's R & B chart for nine weeks and became a worldwide smash hitting number one in England, Canada and Australia. It was the second biggest hit of 1983 in Billboard's year-end survey.

Amazingly, the vocal on "Billie Jean" was performed by Jackson in just one take. He came up with the basic rhythm of the piece in 1981 on a drum machine and, with the help of Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, found the right bass for the haunting bass line. According to Johnson, they settled on a Yamaha because it was "really live, with a lot of power and guts." Producer Quincy Jones was responsible for weaving a lyricon solo in the background of the mix which Quincy referred to as "ear candy". The result became the centerpiece of one of pop's most famous videos. Directed by Steve Barron, the video featured Michael dancing along a street that glowed wherever he stepped while outmaneuvering a trenchcoat-wearing stalker. It is now remembered as one of the first videos by a black artist to receive heavy rotation at MTV.

During "Billie Jean"s seven week run at number one, Michael Jackson agreed to appear on Motown's 25th Anniversary Special. It's been reported that initially Michael didn't want to appear onstage with his brothers but, as a special favor to Motown founder Berry Gordy, he relented as long as he was also able to perform alone. After a medley of some of the Jackson 5's biggest hits, Michael took to the stage to a standing ovation as the beginning notes of "Billie Jean" began to play. In his black pants, fedora and single white sequined glove, Michael gave a dance performance like no other, including moves that would become his trademark such as his leg kick. It was what happened during the bridge of the song that had people talking for days-the first moonwalk. As he glided across the stage, the audience went wild and Michael Jackson cemented his status as a pop icon. Album sales thereafter went through the roof and "Thriller" became one of the biggest-selling albums in history, spending 37 weeks at number one and being named the number one album by Billboard for both 1983 and 1984.

FUN FACT: In 2000, the magazine "Entertainment Weekly" named Jackson's performance at Motown's 25th the sixth greatest rock 'n' roll TV moment of all time.

Answer: Epcot

Epcot is one of the most visited theme parks in the world. Located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, it celebrates both international culture and technological advancements.

Epcot was conceived as an acronym of Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow which initially was an idea that founder Walt Disney had for creating a utopian city. Sadly, Disney died prior to realizing his original vision but the company created the park as a way to embody Disney's hopes for melding technological innovation with community life.

Epcot is made up two sections, Future World and World Showcase, spread over a park size of 300 acres. The Future World Pavilion is dedicated to celebrating the technological marvels springing up from innovative minds all over the world. Each pavilion is dedicated to a particular exhibit which has over the years included Universe of Energy, The Land, The Living Seas and Imagination! Most exhibits have a corporate sponsor which helps Disney foot the bills for the attraction.

The World Showcase originally featured nine pavilions, each representing a country around the world. These nine countries are Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, France, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Morocco was added in 1984 and Norway in 1988. The pavilions surround a lagoon over which there is a nightly firework extravaganza entitled IllumiNations.

FUN FACT: The 3-D film "Captain EO" starring Michael Jackson made its premiere in Epcot on September 12th, 1986.

Answer: Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Lynn Williams was born in Tarrytown, New York on March 18th, 1963. She attended Syracuse University and majored in Theatre Arts before deciding to leave to pursue her career in modeling. After winning Miss New York, she was crowned the first black Miss America in September, 1983. However, this historic moment was tarnished ten months later when Penthouse published unauthorized nude photos of her and, in the midst of a media frenzy, she was forced to resign the crown.

Four years later Vanessa began an amazing comeback. She released the album "The Right Stuff" which produced the top ten pop hit and number one R&B single "Dreamin'". This was followed in 1991 with her album "The Comfort Zone" which sold over two million copies and became her biggest selling album. It spawned the smash "Save The Best For Last" which spent five weeks at number one in the United States as well as topping the chart in Australia, the Netherlands and Canada. As of 2009, Vanessa Williams has garnered fifteen Grammy Award nominations and has sold over five million records.

In addition to singing, she has commandeered respect in the acting field in a number of diverse roles. Her Broadway debut occurred in 1994 in the critically acclaimed production of "Kiss of the Spider Woman". She was nominated for a Tony Award as the witch in the revival of Sondheim's "Into The Woods". She has appeared in numerous films including "Eraser", "Soul Food", "Shaft" and "Hanna Montana: The Movie". Besides her fair share of guest appearances on TV, Vanessa is probably most well known in the 2000s for her role as villainous Wilhelmina Slater in the hit comedy "Ugly Betty".

FUN FACT: In the 1990's, Vanessa Williams became the first African American spokesmodel for L'Oreal cosmetics.

Answer: Pat Cash

Patrick Hart Cash was born in Melbourne, Australia on May 27th, 1965. He splashed onto the tennis scene in the early 1980s when he was ranked the top junior player in the world in 1981. He became the youngest player to play in the Davis Cup final in 1983 only one year after turning pro. Known for his black and white headband and cross earring, Cash quickly rose through the ranks and made the semifinals of both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 1984.

However, it was in 1987 that he made history. After reaching the Australian Open final and losing to Stefan Edberg, he went to Wimbledon and defeated Mats Wilander in the quarterfinals, Jimmy Connors in the semifinals before taking on Lendl in the final and winning. His climbing into the stands to hug his father and family seconds after capturing the cup became a signature moment in tennis history. Since then, other winners have often followed suit to continue the tradition.

Cash returned to the Australian Open finals the following year but soon after became riddled with injuries which never allowed him to return to his glory days of playing. Among his over twenty tennis titles were seven singles and twelve double wins. Following his retirement from the tour, he opened a tennis academy in Australia and coached a number of top players. Outside of tennis, he plays the guitar and has co-founded the environmental charity Planet Ark.

FUN FACT: Along with Stefan Edberg and Roger Federer, Pat Cash is one of the rare players to have won both the junior and senior Wimbledon titles.

Answer: E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial

"E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial" is a story about a boy befriending an alien and the boy's experience trying to help the alien return home. Based upon an imaginary friend director Steven Spielberg created as a boy, "E.T." was written by Melissa Mathison after a discussion with Spielberg during the shooting of "Raiders of the Lost Ark". It took her eight weeks to produce a first draft of the script entitled "E.T. and Me". They shopped the idea around Hollywood before getting Universal Studios to fund and distribute the movie in 1981.

The movie opens with a group of aliens prowling a forest in California at night. Government officials arrive forcing the aliens to flee but, in the process, they wind up leaving one of their own behind. E.T. leaves the woods and hides in a shed in the backyard of Elliott, a ten year old boy whose parents have recently separated. Elliott is surprised when he first finds E.T. and, when his family and friends don't believe his discovery, he decides to camp outside until the alien returns. Through the use of Reese's pieces, he is able to lure E.T. into his room.

The following day he fakes illness to stay home and befriend E.T. He shares his finding with his brother and sister who, while initially frightened, quickly grow attached to the unusual creature and agree to keep him secret from their mother. Elliott and E.T. develop a psychic connection which becomes quite evident while Elliott is at school one day. While home alone, E.T. drinks the Coors lite beer making Elliott drunk and, as E.T. watches John Wayne kiss Maureen O'Hara in "The Quiet Man", Elliott in a similar manner kisses a girl at school.

Soon after, E.T.'s health begins failing and it becomes apparent that unless he goes back home he will die. Through a reconfigured Speak and Spell, E.T. creates an apparatus that acts as a radio to send a message to his home world. However, before he is able to ensure contact, the government discovers his whereabouts and take him and Elliott captive. Realizing the alien's sickness, the doctors try to keep the alien alive but to no avail. E.T. dies and Elliott is heartbroken. Elliot is left alone with E.T. for a tearful goodbye when E.T. suddenly awakens and tells Elliott that his people have returned for him. Through a harrowing escape, Elliot, E.T., his brother and friends ride bicycles through the air and land alongside the alien spaceship. E.T. gives personal goodbyes to each member of the family before bidding farewell to Elliott when he delivers the now famous line, "I'll be right here" as E.T. points to Elliott's heart.

The movie grossed eleven million dollars in its first week in the U.S. and stayed in the top ten well into the following year. The movie took in over 350 million dollars in its initial theatrical run and, at the time, was the highest grossing film of all time, a title it held until 1997. While it was nominated for nine Academy Awards, it only won four mostly in technical categories and lost Best Picture to "Gandhi".

FUN FACT: E.T.'s face was inspired by the faces of Albert Einstein, Carl Sandberg and Ernest Hemingway.

Answer: Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage Patch Kids came into existence in 1978 as cloth dolls, originally marketed at local craft shows. Created by Xavier Roberts and Debbie Morehead, the dolls were produced in Cleveland, Georgia at a clinic that was converted into a facility called Babyland General Hospital. Roberts had his employees dress the role of doctors and nurses who worked in the birthing, nursery and adoption center. One of the unique features of the Cabbage Patch Doll was that each baby would come with its own birth certificate and each two would not be exactly alike.

Coleco picked up on the idea in 1982 and, by the Christmas rush of 1983, was mass producing the dolls at a furious rate to keep up with the demand. The Coleco version had round vinyl heads and bodies made of soft fabric which became their trademark. An instant hit at the International Toy Fair in 1983, the dolls quickly expanded to other similar dolls like the Preemies and Koosas. Merchandise and accessories accounted for much of the dolls financial success during the mid-1980s including records and their very own cereal.

A number of toy companies have purchased the rights to the dolls over the years including Hasbro, Mattel, Toys "R" Us and Play Along toys. One of the spinoffs of the dolls were the Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kids which were able to eat plastic snacks. Controversy arose when the dolls "ingested" children's fingers and hair which got stuck in the doll's machinery. This led to a voluntary withdrawal of the doll with safety warnings from state consumer protection agencies. Despite this minor setback to its image, the Cabbage Patch Kid dolls remain one of the most popular dolls since its worldwide craze back in the early 1980s.

FUN FACT: in 1999, the Cabbage Patch Doll was chosen as a U.S. commemorative postal stamp to represent the 1980s.

Answer: Human Immunodeficiency Virus

It is believed that the human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the 20th century. HIV-1 which has accounted for most of the world's deaths attributed to the virus is thought to have evolved from a strain found in chimpanzees in Cameroon. While the disease received worldwide attention during the 1980s, it is believed to have entered the western world as early as the 1950s.

The epidemic was first recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in 1981 when it was revealed that an unusual number of Pneumocystis pneumonia cases were found in homosexual men in Los Angeles. Over the next 18 months, cases were seen throughout the nation and not only among gay men but also heterosexual intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs. The virus was first isolated in 1983 while the number of cases and subsequent deaths continued to rise over the course of the decade.

HIV was found to be a retrovirus meaning that it is transmitted as a single-stranded RNA strand that converts to double-stranded DNA only once it settles in the infected host. It tends to have a relatively long latent period so that it can incubate over years without the onset of symptoms. During this period, the virus integrates its DNA into the victim's DNA and the host's cells continue to function normally. This has also made it more difficult to treat or eradicate as most therapies are aimed at treating the actively replicating virus as opposed to the latent type.

The HIV virus has a particular affinity for cells of the human immune system and its infection and ultimate destruction of T cells, specifically CD4 T cells, results in a much lower immune defense against organisms that under normal circumstances wouldn't pose much of a threat to the host. It's when the CD4 levels fall below critical levels that these opportunistic infections are seen. The occurrence of AIDS (acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome) is seen when CD4 levels drop below 200 and patients develop diseases not normally seen in the general public (ie PCP pneumonia, CMV retinitis, MAI intestinal disease). In addition, CD4 cells help ward off cancer and, without them, rare, incurable cancers have been found.

Before the release of zidovudine (AZT) in 1987, patients afflicted with the disease were treated mostly with supportive measures. It was found that AZT could increase CD4 cell numbers and delay the progression of the disease. However, due to HIV's high mutability, resistance to the drug was high and the mortality for HIV in westernized countries remained unchanged. The introduction of protease inhibitors in 1996 has been one of the great medical success stories. In combination with other drugs, protease inhibitors have reduced morbidity and mortality of HIV and AIDS tremendously. It is hoped that with these medications that individuals infected with HIV can live as long as those without the disease.

FUN FACT: "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne and Friends, the number one song of 1986 in the U.S., raised over three million dollars for AIDS research.

Answer: Geraldo Rivera

Geraldo Rivera was born on July 4th, 1943 in New York, New York. He went to school at the University of Arizona, received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School and attended the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 1970.

He made his break as a reporter with WABC in New York for "Eyewitness News". His report on the abuse of the mentally challenged at a state school in Staten Island gained him national exposure and led to his hosting ABC's "Goodnight America". He became a regular reporter on the nighttime show "20/20" before leaving the show to host the special "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vault". Greatly hyped and receiving high ratings, the show was considered a fiasco as the opening of the vault revealed very little.

Rivera became the host of a daytime talk show entitled "Geraldo" in 1987. One of the most famous moments came during a 1988 show involving skinheads and black and Jewish activists. A brawl broke out during which Geraldo got punched in the face and had his nose broken. His photo and the resulting publicity helped define the trash TV that would blossom into the 1990s. Despite toning down the show's antics late in the series run, the show was cancelled in 1998 after 11 years.

After work for CNBC as both a reporter and a host of his show "Rivera Live", Geraldo joined Fox News in 2001 as a war correspondent. He found himself in the center of controversy in early 2003 when he was accused by the U.S. military of putting an operation at risk of exposure. During a broadcast, Geraldo, who was traveling with the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq, drew a map in the sand of an operation that was to be deployed in the near future. The U.S. government denounced his actions and two days later he found himself reporting from Kuwait. In addition, his admission that he was carrying a gun while reporting in Iraq claiming "It's going to be a gun fight" also had critics up in arms.

FUN FACT: On the last episode of "Seinfeld", Geraldo Rivera appeared as himself reporting on the trial of the four main characters.

Answer: Bhopal

Bhopal is the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and has a population of over one million people. Founded around 1000 A.D., Bhopal derives its name from the Parmara King Bhoj who is said to have built the dams that helped form the lakes around the city. Located on the Malwa plateau, the city contains two large lakes referred to as the Upper and Lower Lakes from which most of the potable water of the city is obtained. Considered one of India's high tech cities, Bhopal is probably most well-known worldwide for the disaster that took place at a Union Carbide plant in 1984.

Union Carbide is an American company that was founded in 1917 and rose to prominence through its catalyst technology that helped to shape the modern petrochemical industry. In 1969 Union Carbide opened a plant in Bhopal where it produced the pesticide carbaryl (also known as Sevin). Ten years later it began to also produce the intermediary agent methyl isocyanate (MIC). It was in the MIC holding tank where the temperature of the mixed toxic gases rose to a dangerous level in the late night of December 2nd, 1984. Poisonous gases were released from the plant in the early morning of December 3rd and created havoc within the city.

The gas cloud hung low and, as it entered people's homes, they woke up coughing with severe eye irritation and vomiting. The burning in their lungs created a feeling of suffocation. As they ran away from the gas, they breathed faster and inhaled more, worsening the insult to their lungs. By morning, thousands were dead and, when it was all done, over 170,000 people were treated in hospitals and dispensaries. Mass funerals were held along with mass cremations. Thousands of dead animals were collected and, within a few days, the leaves on trees changed color and fell off.

While there was mounting evidence that the plant was kept at substandard levels, Union Carbide put forth the idea that the accident was the direct result of sabotage. The inciting event leading to the higher temperatures was the introduction of water into the MIC system. Union Carbide contends that someone deliberately put water into the system while their opponents claim that the water wasn't draining properly through the bleeder valves due to clogging.

Despite the development of an International Medical Commission to assess and treat the long-term health effects from the incident, the Bhopal gas tragedy is still often regarded as the world's worst industrial disaster.

FUN FACT; "Operation Faith", approximately two weeks following the disaster, necessitated the emptying of the remaining MIC and led to a second mass evacuation from Bhopal on December 16th, 1984.