Countdown to U2

Rocktober! Kings of Leon and U2!!!

So after dying last week I have a greater appreciation for life. Especially for concerts. Last week was the Kings of Leon concert and man was it AWESOME! No pictures cause I'm still learning to work out my new phone cam settings, but I and my brother did take some videos. They played their top hits...Use Somebody, Sex On Fire, Molly's Chamber, Notion, The Bucket, Rodeo King...and my favorite of all..On Call.



But this week will be even better because I got tickets to U2! YES that's right U freak'n 2! They were here about 5 years ago at the Toyota Center...but this Wed they will be at Reliant Stadium!!! And I gots the floor seats!!! Honestly I really think their new stuff really sucks so I'm looking forward to the classics.

Here are the songs I really want to hear:
Pride (In the Name of Love)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
One
Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
New Year's Day
With or With Out You

(not a classic but good)
Vertigo
Beautiful Day
All Because of You
Bullet the Blue Sky


And my personal favorite and the best song U2 had ever made:
Where the Streets Have No Name!!!
The guitar intro riff is f'n awesome and it plays out again at the end of the song.
This is the original video of the song:



This video is right after 9/11 and U2 did the half time show for the 2002 Super Bowl:






And here is a preview of what the stage will look like at the concert this Wed

Alive....

Never felt more Alive than now. Hard to imagine that a few weeks ago I was almost dead. Yep, the flu hit me...no not swine, the normal flu. I went to the doctor on Sept 24...they gave me some pills, after that night...4 days of nonstop vomiting. I didn't eat or drink anything for those for days so I got severely dehydrated and to add my potassium levels were in the negatives. That was the worse part because your muscles need potassium to move, and I had none in my entire body. That The next day I checked myself in the E.R with a temperature of 105. Apparently I had lost so much weight from vomiting that the doctor asked me if I had Aids. Did I really look that sick? I can't remember I was in and out of it. They took so much blood from me my arms are still sore today. I spent about 2 days in the ICU cause they thought my body was going to give out, then I finally got out and in my own room. I was released that Thursday, they kept me there until my potassium level was normal...that was a bitch cause I kept vomiting. They gave me liquids via I.V. line...man I never wanted my mom so bad. I really thank God that she was there by my side the entire week. I'm 25 yrs old, and I thought I never needed my mom like I needed her then. I never really wanted to carry on, I did think about just letting go. I never want to ever go through that again...never. It was hard when I got home, I actually had to learn how to walk again, and I would get these cramps in my legs. But I am doing much better...my throat still hurts a bit from all that acid that came up, but it's getting better.

This is the bruise from when I passed out trying to go to the restroom. I hit my arm on the guard rail on the bed.


At least I was fed well. Hospital food has come a long ways now!!! It's just too bad I kept vomiting all up. LOL!

And this is how I was fed the first few days, through my veins. You can see the bed pan across the way, I fill that up at least 4 times a day with vomit.

WOMEN'S SECRETS ARE IN THEIR PURSES

MEN THEIR SECRET IS OUT!!!

Dr. Sheldon Zigelbaum says guys can learn a lot about the secret world of women by the type of purses they carry. She says if a woman carries a:

• Cluttered purse -- She's warm, generous and an outgoing person. She was a relaxed attitude toward life and is an easy-to-be-with person.
• Well-organized purse -- A no-nonsense person with high self-esteem. She finds it easy to perform beyond her capabilities.
• Cover-girl purse -- Lot's of cosmetics reveal a dramatic person. She has a flair for the unusual, an active imagination and will sometimes laugh or cry at the drop of a hat.
• Photo-album purse -- A conservative person with down-to-earth ideals. She's nostalgic and relishes her past.
• Office-supplies purse -- This woman likes for every minute to count. She is a list-maker and will never forget a birthday.
• Snack-filled purse -- She is a born hostess and loves celebrations and parties. She is happiest when unexpected things happen including surprise visits from unannounced friends.

National Underwear Day

TODAY IS..... (by the way.... if you don't wear any... I guess you miss out today... hahahaha! - DJ)

National Underwear Day -- Who knew your underwear could be so revealing? Handbag.com, TheSite.org and the Arizona State University have it all figured out:

Women

• High-cut briefs -- Ladies who wear "granny panties" tend to be perfectionists, except when it comes to style. They care most about comfort and function. They are practical people who don't dress to impress.
• Boy shorts or thong -- Women who don these are confident go-getters who enjoy a challenge. They like to show off their curves, are outgoing, and open to new things. They also enjoy not having a panty line when they wear pants. They like the thong because it makes them feel sexy even when they wear jeans, while boy shorts are cute and feminine -- without baring it all.
• The need to match -- Some women must have a matching bra and panty set. These confident women are quite fashion-conscious and enjoy pampering themselves. Some might even call them spoiled or high-maintenance.

Men (I'm in red...lol)

• Boxers -- Wearing boxers is all about comfort, but men who prefer boxers are generally laidback, not too flashy, and light-hearted. Boxers are the #1 choice in underwear for men.
• Briefs -- Nicknamed tightie-whities even if they are red or blue or some other color, briefs are worn by men who are inhibited and like the restricted feel of this kind of underwear. Hey guys, it's not uncommon for women to think of you as their little brother when they find out you wear briefs.
• Boxer-briefs -- Can you say the best of both worlds? Men who opt for boxer-briefs are very good at committing in relationships. Hey, they already know how to compromise since they've done it with their underwear!
• Thong -- Men who wear thongs are tremendously outgoing and some are exhibitionists. Check a male thong-wearer's high school yearbook, and you'll no doubt find "Class Clown" under his name.
• No underwear -- Either someone forgot to do the laundry or he is very down-to-earth and embraces a natural way of life.

A Cosmopolitan Web poll ask: "What type of underwear do women like best on men?"

• 45% said boxer briefs
• 40% said boxers
• 11% said low-rise styles
• 4% said briefs

Underwear: A Brief History (from Cosmopolitan):

• 2500 B.C. -- The ancient Egyptians sported what was probably the first ever version of underwear the loincloth.
• 1200s -- During the Middle Ages, the first pull-on underpants were invented. These loose fitting drawers, called braise, tied at the waist and midcalf.
• 1500s -- Codpieces became popular. Shaped to show off a man's goods, these enhancers were often filled out with padding.
• 1800s -- Cotton companies were massed-producing undies like the union suit, a full body style with ranging sleeve lengths.
• 1930s -- Companies began selling what were the first boxers shorts. And in 1934, Jockey debuted Y-vent briefs.
• 1960s -- With the invention of materials like nylon and Lycra, underwear got more comfortable and more colorful.
• 1982 -- Calvin Klein posted a billboard in Times Square of a hot guy in briefs, and it got a lot of people buzzing.
• Today - Men's underwear has really evolved. It now comes in high-tech materials and daring styles, like the man thong.

Checking in....

Nothing new with me...just got over the flu...not Swine Flu, the normal Flu...just because I'm Hispanic doesn't mean that I have Swine. Went to the Circus. Now its time for class...Oh and the writing bug has bitten me again.

Assignment 2

Here it is.

Assignment 1

Is Here.

Try This

Creative Writing Class:

Write a poem: The first line consists of an abstraction, plus a verb, plus a place. The second line describes attire. The third line summaries an action. Let it flow, don't think about it.



Fear jumps in to my hand.
Wearing a dark coat.
Drinking the sweat.


Joy spreads in to the room.
Saturated with neon.
Basking on her face.

Arrested Moments

Just a few pictures from my "portfolio"....




UHD's Culture on the Bayou


Our hotel in Santorini Greece


Temple of Zeus in Athens Greece


Inside the new downtown Cathedral

Houston Art Car Parade

The Annual Houston Art Car Parade is this weekend, and tomorrow is the Main Street Drag. It's just a preview of what's to be shown. If you never been to the parade then you really need to go. Here is a link of the past one that I went to. I'm trying to get Taneisha to come out..but she is being a butt head about it. I've helped built 2 cars, one in middle school, and the other in high school. It's a really cool thing to go to. The cars start lining up at 9am - come early and get a view that's up close and personal. Vendors and refreshments on site. Parade rolls at 1pm Allen Parkway between Taft and Downtown.FREE

http://www.orangeshow.org/artcar.html

Why do people make things difficult?

Just a venting issue....

A while ago I put up shift coverage card at work so I can take the day off and do some school stuff. At the bottom of the card I put "Will work your Saturday shift." Some one signed it so I got the day off. I told this person to give me a fair advance time of notice so I can make some preparations on my schedule. That person agreed. Well, this person decides to let me know at the very last minute...very late on Friday via text...by the way in which it was in my locker due to work related rules. I didn't check my messages later that night, so it was too late. Now this person is asking for me to cover her shift again, but I have a final on that day. I clearly explained it to this person what went wrong the first time, and the complications for this time. For some reason she just can not get this in their head. I have even told this person that I will work for them during the week and a Saturday.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine C+

In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Huge Jackman reprises his role that jump started his career as a new form of the human evolution process. Born as James Howlet (also goes by Logan) is a mutant in which is characterized by one human having the X-Gene; a genetic trait that causes a DNA mutation and causes the human to have abilities. Wolverine’s possesses the abilities of cell regeneration (wounds that heal by itself), heighten senses (super smell and hearing) and retractable bone claws that come out of his fist. Yes bones. This is one thing I liked about the movie. We have always seen Wolverine with his metal claws but we were never really introduced on these claws in his earlier years. It was always implied that he had claws but was only left to the imagination. Later on he agrees to go under a medical procedure that actually turns his bones in to a type of metal, the strongest known to man. His reason for doing this is to seek out revenge against Sabertooth who “killed” Logan’s love interest in the move. What Logan didn’t know what that this was a set up, and the death of his love was acted out. Right after the medical process, Logan uses his super hearing and over hears that his memory will be erased and he will become a humanoid weapon for the U.S. Government. He breaks free and the movie is set up from here, trying to catch him and bring him back to the facility.
Once again we are hit with a complicated and drown out storyline along with poorly defined characters. Just as the last X-MEN movie…it’s too much story for one movie. If the movie is entitled X-Men Origins: Wolverine, then why not actually show is origins. We are only given about 10 minutes of his childhood, learning that he and Sabertooth/Victor are actually brothers….mistake #1. This takes a whole lot from the characters, and this is not in the comics. In the comics Logan actually runs away from home to live among nature, a local Native American tribe….and wolves. Yes the exact same animal he is based on is not even brought up in the movie. We do get a montage of all the wars he as fought in from the American Revolution to the World Wars. I did like that though.
Mistake #2. He is part of a special force tactical unit called Weapon X. It would have been nice if they made some kind of reference to Captain America…second thought no…look what they did to Ghost Rider, Dare Devil and Spiderman 3.
Mistake #3 Sabertooth….hmmm, lets just give him some canines and glue some Frito corn chips to his finger nails. Yeah WTF, that reseble nothing like Sabertooth. Sabertooth in X-MEN 1 was better. Gambit…I expect more that just throwing cards and jumping around. He can charge things and make them explode, why was this not used in the movie…oh because he was only in it for about 5 minutes…just like every other mutants.
The biggest mistake…Ryan Reynolds!!! WTF were they thinking!!! I guess they didn’t see Blade 3. Dry comedy in a action movie does not ever work.
This is paint by numbers movie; you basically know what’s going to happen, animal roars, fight scenes, and graphics.
The worst thing is that I saw this movie online for free….and I still want some money back.

Unfortunately X-Men (Mislead)Origins: Wolverine, there is a sequel in the works…

Foxy.....

MMMMM.....Transformers.



To get a better video click here.

How to shuss your lady in a nice way.

Tired of your lady's complaints? She'd have it much worse overseas. The next time your woman busts out the following common relationship complaints, whip out this handy guide and remind her exactly how good she has it! Good Luck!!!

1. You never do any housework. -- In rural Albania, men are forbidden from doing household chores because lifting a finger is seen as a sign of weakness. An Albanian lady's "chores" can include strenuous labor, such as lugging enormous bales of hay from one paddock to another while her man stands around and smokes.
   
2. You don't understand my cycle.-- Women toiling in Mexico's export-driven maquiladora factories can be subject to spot pregnancy checks, with some employers going as far as to inspect ladies' sanitary napkins for evidence. Despite lawsuits from human-rights watchdogs, Mexican authorities have claimed that the practice is legal.
   
3. You're scared of commitment. -- Thanks to a cunning interpretation of an Islamic law, Syrian men can divorce their wives by muttering "I divorce you" three times. By contrast, a woman has to go to court, a process that can take up to five years. In that time, her husband may have already bagged several more wives.
   
4. You're obsessed with my past. -- In Turkey, unmarried women are pressured to take virginity tests at the behest of their meddlesome parents. A woman who fails may find herself abandoned by her family and the invasive exam can even be ordered after death. The nation's men, meanwhile, wield their beef kabobs with impunity.
   
5. You don't support my career. -- A 1996 Russian law restricts women from entering 400 professions "inconsistent with femininity." Those industries include building, crane operation and working in tunnels. Women who had labored loyally without complaint during Soviet times found themselves jobless overnight.
   
6. You never let me drive. -- Before 1990, it was merely socially unacceptable for women to drive in Saudi Arabia. Then, after 50 women protested the custom by taking a spin through the capital Riyadh, the Grand Mufti outlawed lady driving altogether. The protesters were detained and many of them lost their jobs.
   
7. You stifle my ambitions. -- Acting "in the interests of the household," Cameroon passed a law in June 1998 requiring women to obtain their husband's permission before seeking a job in a trade other than his. Sexist nonsense? Ask J.Lo what happens when you're more successful than your man.

You favorite position in......sleep.

Did you know that the position in which you sleep at night -- whether it's all curled up in a fetal position or sprawled out across the bed -- reveals your personality? That's the word from Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service.

1. The Fetal (41 percent): People who sleep this way, which is the most common way to sleep, are described as tough on the outside, but sensitive on the inside.
   
2. The Log (15 percent): People who sleep this way lie on their side with both arms down, close to their side. They tend to be social and easy-going people who enjoy being part of the in-crowd.
   
3. The Yearner (13 percent): Sleeping on your side with both arms stretched out in front of you describes the yearner's sleep position. While they have an open nature, they can be suspicious andeven cynical. Such people are slow to make up their mind, but once a decision has been made, they are unlikely to ever change it.
   
4. The Soldier (8 percent): Lying flat on the back with both arms pinned at the side is the sleep position of the soldier. People who sleep this way are quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss and set themselves and others to high standards.
   
5. The Freefall (7 percent): People who sleep this way lie on their tummy with their hands at the sides of their head. While they tend to be brash and gregarious on the surface, they are nervy and thin-skinned underneath.
   
6. The Starfish (5 percent): People in the starfish position sleep on their back with both arms up around the pillow. Because they are always ready to listen to others and offer help when needed, they make the best of friends; however, they generally don't like to be the center of attention.
   
7. The Rest of Us. The remaining 11 percent in this study either said they slept in a variety of positions or just didn't know how they slept. Once you have a preferred position, you're unlikely to change it from night-to-night.

You are what you wear.

Sun) The color you wrap yourself in every day makes a stronger statement than you know. Neurologists say the colors you wear have a direct effect on the people around you, altering their state of mind and brain chemistry. "You can use fashion to your advantage, equipping yourself with the proper colors to ace a job interview, win an argument or influence whoever you see and whoever sees you," explains Dr. Gene Channerry. Here's how to harness the power of pigment for success and happiness:

• Purple Power -- The ancient color of emperors has long been associated with spiritual wisdom, giving those who wear it a quality of mystery and depth. Purple also stimulates the pituitary gland, adding a sense of imagination and allure.
  
• Indigo Trust -- Studies find that women who wear dark blue are seen as more competent and intelligent. It's no mistake that policemen, military officers, pilots and business leaders wear navy blue. The color increases a feeling of loyalty and supreme confidence.
  
• Blue Cool -- The hue of the open sky has been found to increase the brain's production of melatonin, the chemical that regulates sleep and relaxation. Viewing shades of blue immediately creates a sense of calm reassurance, lowering the pulse rate and cooling off anger and stress.
  
• Green Fortune -- The color of fresh leaves is also the color of money and scientific surveys find it's associated with luck, success and self confidence, making this the best color to wear when applying for a loan or interviewing for a job.
  
• Orange Cheer -- Warm colors boost the moods of everyone who sees them, creating a feeling of friendliness. A University of Georgia study found 94 percent of people who looked at orange or yellow felt happier within seconds.
  
• Red Passion -- Well known as the color of desire and high emotions, red has a pronounced physical effect on those who see it. This hue triggers the release of adrenaline and epinephrine, two stimulating chemicals that boost heart rate and raise body temperatures.
  
• Pink Persuasion -- This feminine color reduces hostile feelings and leaves those who see it relaxed and cheerful for 30 minutes or more. Pink has a stimulating effect on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates mood and feelings of friendliness

You And Your Pets

1. The kind of pet you choose can be a direct reflection on the type of person ou really are. "There's a powerful connection between people and their pets hat's truly beneficial," says psychologist Marion Steinberg. "Research has hown you'll live a longer, happier life if you open your heart to anything rom a dog to a parrot." Steinberg says the latest study proves the animals ou choose to love actually highlights your personal traits. So what does our favorite pet say about you? Choose the one you like the best and discover more about yourself.
   
   •Birds -- Fun-loving and adventurous, folks in your inner circle know you'll try anything once. The trouble is, you don't always plan ahead to avoid catastrophe. If you curb your impatience, you'll land on your feet more often than not.
   
   •Cats -- Just like the feline, you're picky about who you lavish your affection on. You're a natural-born leader who's not afraid to stand up for your rights and take charge of a situation. That's fine because your co-workers respect your ideas.
   
   •Dogs -- You're a straight shooter, and your pals often ask for your clear-eyed advice and thoughtful observations. A loyal and true friend, you never betray a confidence. Best of all, when you give your friendship, it's for life.
   
   •Fish -- You're a creative person who appreciates beauty in all its forms. Friends and family love your generous spirit and unselfish approach to life. You're also perceptive and observant -- a person who's always in the know.
   
   •Gerbils/Guinea Pigs -- Loved ones are sometimes confused by your behavior. You can be shy and standoffish or outgoing and full of spunk, depending on your mood. But despite the ups and downs, you're a popular and well-loved person.
   
   •Pot-belly pigs -- You're intelligent, funny and affectionate. Life is something to be enjoyed to the fullest. But although your friends are the center of your life, you may have a commitment phobia when it comes to love.
   
   •Rabbits -- These indicate you're a shy yet curious nature, ready for anything.

F* My Life -Thursday edition

Today, I went to get the Apple store, my Mac had been making a grinding noise from the fan. The guy put his ear to the keyboard and said there was a CD in the drive so I couldn't hear the grinding from the fan. He ejected the CD. It was porn. FML

Today, I turned 35. I was given my first-ever orgasm by the best lover I've ever had: a massaging shower head from Wal-Mart. That I bought for myself. It was the only gift I received. FML


Today, I was sitting in class and I fell asleep during the lesson. I was wearing sweatpants and had an erection. My teacher came up to me and grabbed my penis. She thought it was my phone. FML

Today, I heard my sister masturbating in her room. I took the dog around the block to get out of the house, and I came back to see her leaving her room... my electric toothbrush in her hand. FML

Today, my mom : "You and your dad like all the same foods right? Try this for me", she then proceeds to give me a strawberry flavored jelly. I say that it tastes good and ask what she gave me. "It's my new nipple cream, I want to surprise your dad tonight." FML

F* MY
LIFE!!!

http://www.fmylife.com/

Stop motion animation

My camera has Stop motion animation mode. I really need to take some time and put it to use....like this.

It's Beautiful Day

LOOK WHAT WAS IN THE MAIL TODAY!!!

Beautiful Day lyrics - U2 lyrics

Beautiful Day Video - U2 Music Videos

Music Videos by VideoCure

I 2 GO 2 U2!

ALL SET TO GO!!!

TOP 5 BANDS TO SEE:

1. Led-Zeppelin
2. The Rolling Stones
3. AC/DC
   
4. The WHO
5. U2(In Theory)

Needs Something

Houston METRO Light Rail from NC3D.com on Vimeo.

Here’s a whizzy reel showing what the new Metro trains and stations on 4 upcoming light-rail lines are supposed to look like. Dowling St. in the Third Ward, the Edloe Station in Greenway Plaza, the Moody Park Station on the North Line, MacGregor Park Station on the Southeast Line, and Lockwood Station on the East End Line each get about 30 seconds of CGI treatment, from a low-flying camera buzzing some extremely lifelike — though torpid — pedestrians. (Swamplot.com)

Hmmm, it looks real, but there is something missing…Ah yes…the crazy people. If you have ever taken the downtown train you KNOW what I’m talking about. That homeless person not only just asking for money, but pissing on the seats as well. Everyone loves that new homeless piss smell. You can’t buy that scent at Bed Bath and Beyond. What about that other guy, you the the one that loves to socialize with others…that he only sees himself. Talking all that crazy mess when no one is there except you. Yes, I can’t wait till the East End line to be completed. The fun that will yet be here.

Me 2

OCTOBER 14, Reliant Stadium!

It's Matt's Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month.

Meet my cousin Matt.

Matt has Autism. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report stating that 560,000 children in the county have some form of autism. For researching autism spectrum disorders (ASD) the Johnson County Library offers many useful resources. Information provided to you by the Johnson County Library’s Consumer Health Team.

Do your part at ASL.

The Lizard King: A Tribute to Jim Morrison

Lizards or to be more presise, the Green Anoles also known as the Carolina anole is my new favorite animal. They're everywhere. And you know it's Spring time when you are out on the porch and one runs across you way. For the past days I've been looking in the garden to get some shoots. They seem to keep to the fence, I guess cause of the conduction of the sun's heat. They are cold blooded so it seems to make sense. When I was a kid I used to love catching them! And I learned a trick that you can do with them. They make fashionably good ear rings. Yes when you catch one or two, put them at the end of your ear lobe and they will bite and dangle off your ear. It doesn't hurt really. Another thing you can do is when you catch them gently rub the area between the eyes and they will fall asleep. Yep. Anyways here are just some of the pics I got to take.

Pandra: more than a box.

I have been using Pandora Radio for about 6 months now. It's cool. Almost like Launch but better in my view. Of course there is the limited amount of songs you can skip, but just hit F5. So far I have the following stations: Led-Zeppelin, Classic Rock, Retro, British Invasion, Smart Music (Classical), Ja-mahn and Coffee and Donuts. When you first start you can create a station of your own. Type in a song or artist and from there the radio will play music based on you selection. You can click thumbs up or down to save or never play again. From this, the radio will analyze your music choices.

"Sleepy Tigers" by Her Space Holiday. It's a new fave of mine. You might of heard it on t.v. "Well I like you so very much, so much in fact I gotta wake you up." They remind me of The Cure, but more of a back woods casual style.


Astros game this Sat with a free blanket.

Correction....."When America sneezes the rest of the world catches the cold"...but I like mine better. That phrase was expressed after the stock market crash...but how about this for originality; When America farts, the rest of the world chokes.

Had my first carbonated beverage this past Sunday, my first Dr Pepper Monday since the first day of Lent. I really did good. I notice some behavior changes. I was getting better sleep. Now I've wrecked it, as you can tell it is 2300 hrs. Bugger.

Hell-O

They say the only way to Heaven is to go through some Hell. But what if you are destine to just stay in Hell. Life is not getting any simpler here. What to do, what to do. I find myself recently back up by endless amounts of unfinished paper work. The only thing that makes my happy now is my camera. I don't know where I am going, just random talk. Going to the first 'Stros game this Saturday, should be a blasty blast...we are starting off bad, not since the year I was born we started off this bad. Damn you Tessa and your Cardinals. I hope things get better, not just for me, but out there too. They say that every empire must come to an end. The Romans, the Greeks, the Mongolians, the British. I think it just be our turn. Cause when America sneezes, the world gets the flu.

You are what you eat…the Beaner edition (FAVORITE MEXICAN FOOD REVEALS PERSONALITY)

Which Mexican food you like the best can be a kind of personality test that might even help you find your perfect romantic match, according to a new Mexican food "Q-dentity" study conducted by Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.

• Taco-- People who prefer tacos are conscientious and perfectionists and are ideal workers. On the job they take over, accomplishing monumental tasks. They are the master of their domain and can become so engrossed in work that they are often forced to sacrifice time with family and friends. People who prefer tacos are most romantically compatible with those who prefer quesadillas.
  

  
  

  
  

• Quesadilla-- A dependable and true friend, those who prefer quesadillas are content with being one of the crowd. They are loyal followers more than leaders. At work they are the foot soldiers, task-oriented, functioning ideally in a group. They don't require individual praise, but share their successes with those around them. They toil behind the scenes for others at work or in their family. In romantic relationships they invest extraordinary effort and energy to try to ensure the relationship's vitality and stability. They are the rock and driving force in the relationship.
  

  
  

• Chips and Salsa -- These people are aggressive, successful, achievement-orientated and natural leaders. Intolerant of defeat, those who prefer chips and salsa will not take "no" for an answer. Competitive, ambitious, self-assured, they are decisive and persuasive at work, whereas in romance they are charming. They can become impatient with the myriad vicissitudes of life. Avoid going against a chips and salsa lover, for those who go against them could be in for a fight. Chips and salsa people are most romantically compatible with others who also prefer chips and salsa.
  

  
  

• Burrito -- Burrito lovers are dramatic and love being the center of attention. They crave novelty, excitement and stimulation and are seductive and flirtatious in romance and gregarious, witty and charming in social situations. Neither shy nor subdued, they readily display their emotions. At work they are easily bored with usual routines and have a keen sense of new and up-and-coming trends. Burrito lovers are romantically compatible with everyone.
  

  
  

• Taco Salad -- People who prefer taco salads are easy-going, well-adjusted, empathic, understanding and are a perfect spouse, parent and ideal friend. People who prefer taco salads are most romantically compatible with those who prefer burritos.
  

  
  

• Nachos -- People who prefer nachos are shy, quiet, reserved and introverted. They are secure enough about their own identity that, to a great extent, they are oblivious to what others think of them. They are self-sufficient and most productive when allowed to work alone, uninterrupted. Nacho fans are independent souls and often enjoy being single.
  

  It's a tie Chips and Quesadilla are my faves, I can't pick one …but I think I'm more chips than Quesadilla.
  

F*** My Life

We all have our moments, but did you really have one? I'm not talking about those little brain farts, or that little stumble you almost had. I'm talking about moments that could leave you damaged for a long time...if not then life. For example:

"Today, I was reading my girlfriend's girly magazine. There was an article stating that if a girl tells a guy his dick is the perfect size, she really means that it is too small. My girlfriend claims everything is the magazine is right. She told me my dick was the perfect size last weekend. FML"

Or this one...

"Today, I left my parents house to drive 90 minutes back to college. As I was getting off the exit for my school, I realized I left my bright pink vibrator sitting on my dresser back at home. FML"

or....

"Today, my daughter asked me when was the first time I had sex. After I told her 22 she quickly shouted, "Beat ya!" She's thirteen. FML"

and last...

"Today, I was having sex with my wife when my 14 year old daughter from her room texts me, "Stop." FML"

and these are only the sex ones...just wait till you see whats posted on the other categories.

http://www.fmylife.com/

WTH! Dad at 13 has a baby!

Dad at 13 has a baby!

I stumbled upon this online at TheSun.com. A 13 yr old kid who looks like he's 5 just had a baby with his 15yr old girl.

"Baby-faced Alfie, who is 13 but looks more like eight, became a father four days ago when his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman gave birth to 7lb 3oz Maisie Roxanne.

He told how he and Chantelle, 15, decided against an abortion after discovering she was pregnant."

Read the full article here at TheSun.com

Artist of the Month-The Airborne Toxic Event

The Airborne Toxic Event is an American indie rock band from the Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Feliz that consists of singer and guitarist Mikel Jollett, guitarist and keyboardist Steven Chen, bassist Noah Harmon, drummer Daren Taylor, and keyboardist and violist Anna Bulbrook. Named after a section of the book White Noise, by Don DeLillo, the group incorporates string instruments and keyboards, along with a standard rock lineup of guitar, drums, and bass guitar. They are signed to Majordomo Records.

The band was formed in 2006 by Mikel Jollett. During a one-week period in March 2006 while working on a novel, Jollett learned that his mother was diagnosed with cancer, and he also experienced a break-up and was diagnosed with genetic Autoimmune disease. Even though the disease encompasses over 70 different disorders, Autoimmune led Jollet to develop 2 cosmetic conditions: Alopecia areata and Vitiligo. Spurred by these events in his personal life, Jollett turned from writing prose to writing songs, and soon realized he was composing an album instead of a novel. ^[1]

Jollett met drummer Taylor in the summer of 2006 and the two established an immediate rapport. After working on original material together for four months as a two-piece, Jollett asked classically-trained violinist Bulbrook and bassist Harmon to join the band. A situation that Jollett enjoys re-telling with relish, Harmon initially refused. With a background in orchestral and chamber music, Bulbrook since taught herself to play viola and keyboard, while Harmon holds a jazz degree in upright bass performance from the California Institute of the Arts and taught in East Los Angeles as part of the school’s Community Arts Partnership. Jollett had met Chen several years earlier, when both lived in San Francisco. Chen was at first asked to join as a keyboardist, but revealed to Jollett that he in fact, played guitar and filled the role as lead guitarist.

To supplement his fiction writing, Jollett had earned income as a freelance writer, contributing to organizations such as NPR, Los Angeles Times, Filter Magazine and Men’s Health. Since the creation of the band, he has continued to write only fiction. Jollett's short story "The Crack," was published in the Summer 2008 McSweeney’s issue 27 sandwiched between short storys by Liz Mandrell and Stephen King.^[2]

The band takes its name from the postmodern novel White Noise, by Don DeLillo ^[3], which won the National Book Award in 1985. In the book, a chemical spill from a railcar releases a poisonous cloud, dubbed by the military as an “airborne toxic event.” This serves as a metaphorical device for the novel’s themes of mortality and media consumption, as the protagonist Jack Gladney is forced to confront the prospect of his own death.

The Airborne Toxic Event played its first show in Echo Park in the fall of 2006, less than a month after it was fully formed. Since then, the band has performed extensively in L.A. and become well known throughout the greater Los Angeles area. In December 2006, Rolling Stone named them one of the “Top 25 Bands on MySpace.” ^[4] They went on to receive positive responses from music blogs and press, notably L.A. Weekly ^[5] and Los Angeles Times,^[6] which named the group one of the top three L.A. bands to watch in 2008. Previous bands to receive this distinction include Cold War Kids and Silversun Pickups.

In a rare move, during the band’s January 2008 residency at the popular Silver Lake venue Spaceland, Los Angeles Commercial Radio stations KROQ, Indie 103 and 987FM all officially added the as-yet-unsigned band’s song “Sometime Around Midnight” to regular rotation. Providence's WBRU, Seattle’s KEXP, San Francisco’s Live 105, San Diego’s 91X, Boston’s WFNX, and Sacramento's KWOD 106.5 also showed significant support for the group.

After an extensive courtship from major labels, the Airborne Toxic Event signed with the indie imprint Majordomo Records in April 2008. Their first full-length record was released in the U.S. on August 5, 2008.

On April 24, 2008 the band made its national television debut as the musical guest on the late-night NBC talk show Last Call with Carson Daly.^[7]

^{wikipedia.org}

Here is the video to my favorite song...."Sometime Around Midnight". I really love the lyrics:

And it starts...
sometime around midnight
or at least that's when
you lose yourself
for a minute or two

As you stand...
under the barlights
and the band plays some song
about forgetting yourself for a while
and the piano's this melancholy soundcheck
to her smile
And that white dress she's wearing
you haven't seen her
for a while

But you know...
that she's watching
She's laughing, she's turning
she's holding her tonic like a crux
The room suddenly spinning
she walks up and asks how you are
so you can smell her perfume
you can see her lying naked in your arms

And so there's a change...
in your emotions
and all of these memories come rushing
like feral waves to your mind
of the curl of your bodies
like two perfect circles entwined
and you feel hopeless, and homelss
and lost in the haze
of the wine

And she leaves...
with someone you don't know
but she makes sure you saw her
she looks right at you and bolts
As she walks out the door
your blood boiling
your stomach in ropes
and when your friends say what is it
you look like you've seen a ghost

And you walk...
under the streetlights
and you're too drunk to notice
that everyone is staring at you
and you so care what you look like
the world is falling
around you

You just have to see her
You just have to see her
You just have to see her
You just have to see her
You just have to see her

and you know that she'll break you
in two .

January 5th and 1984

*Thursday, January 5th 1984, 14:05 hours, St, Josephs Hospital Downtown Houston, Harris County, TX, USA, North America, Western Northern Hemisphere, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy; Herman Jon-Anthony De La Rosa was born.

January 5 is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 360 days remaining until the end of the year (361 in leap years).

The 12th Day of Christmas

* 1477 - Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is killed and Burgundy becomes part of France.
* 1500 - Duke Ludovico Sforza conquers Milan.
* 1527 - Felix Manz, a leader of the Anabaptist congregation in Zürich, is executed by drowning.
* 1554 - A great fire occurs in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
* 1675 - Battle of Colmar: the French army beats Brandenburg.
* 1757 - Louis XV of France survives the assassination attempt by Robert–François Damiens, the last person to be executed in France by the traditional and gruesome form of capital punishment used for regicides.
* 1759 - George Washington marries Martha Dandridge Custis.
* 1781 - American Revolutionary War: Richmond, Virginia, is burned by British naval forces led by Benedict Arnold.
* 1846 - The United States House of Representatives votes to stop sharing the Oregon Territory with the United Kingdom.
* 1854 - The San Francisco steamer sinks, killing 300 people.
* 1889 - Preston North End is declared winner of the original football league.
* 1895 - Dreyfus Affair: French officer Alfred Dreyfus is stripped of his rank and sentenced to life imprisonment on Devil's Island.
* 1896 - An Austrian newspaper reports that Wilhelm Roentgen has discovered a type of radiation later known as X-rays.
* 1900 - Irish leader John Edward Redmond calls for a revolt against British rule.
* 1909 - Colombia recognizes the independence of Panama.
* 1912 - The Prague Party Conference takes place.
* 1913 - First Balkan War: During the Naval Battle of Lemnos, Greek admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis forces the Turkish fleet to retreat to its base within the Dardanelles, from which it did not venture for the rest of the war.
* 1914 - The Ford Motor Company announces an eight-hour workday and a minimum wage of $5 for a day's labor.
* 1918 - The Free Committee for a German Workers Peace, which would become the Nazi party, is founded.
* 1925 - Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming becomes the first female governor in the United States.
* 1933 - Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins in San Francisco Bay.
* 1940 - FM radio is demonstrated to the FCC for the first time.
* 1944 - The Daily Mail becomes the first transoceanic newspaper.
* 1945 - The Soviet Union recognizes the new pro-Soviet government of Poland.
* 1962 - A replica of the miraculous statue, the Holy Infant of Good Health, is presented to Blessed Pope John XXIII.
* 1968 - Alexander Dubček comes to power: "Prague Spring" begins in Czechoslovakia.
* 1969 - Members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) damage property and assault occupants in the Bogside in Derry, Northern Ireland. In response, residents erect barricades and establish Free Derry.
* 1972 - U.S. President Richard Nixon orders the development of a space shuttle program.
* 1974 - An earthquake in Lima, Peru, kills six people, and damages hundreds of houses.
* 1975 - The Tasman Bridge in Tasmania, Australia, is struck by the bulk ore carrier Lake Illawarra, killing twelve people.
* 1976 - Cambodia is renamed Democratic Kampuchea by the Khmer Rouge.
* 1993 - The oil tanker MV Braer runs aground on the coast of the Shetland Islands, spilling 84,700 tons of crude oil.
* 1993 - Washington state executes Westley Allan Dodd by hanging (the first legal hanging in America since 1965).
* 1996 - Hamas operative Yahya Ayyash is killed by an Israeli-planted booby-trapped cell phone.
* 2005 - Eris, the largest known dwarf planet in the solar system, is discovered by the team of Michael E. Brown, Chad Trujillo, and David L. Rabinowitz using images originally taken on October 21, 2003, at the Palomar Observatory.


Births

* 1209 - Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, Holy Roman Emperor (d. 1272)
* 1548 - Francisco Suarez, Spanish theologian (d. 1617)
* 1587 - Xu Xiake, Chinese geographer (d. 1641)
* 1592 - Shah Jahan, Mughal Emperor of India (d. 1666)
* 1614 - Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria (d. 1662)
* 1667 - Antonio Lotti, Italian composer (b. 1740)
* 1696 - Giuseppe Galli-Bibiena, Italian architect/painter (d. 1757)
* 1717 - William Wildman Shute Barrington, British statesman (d. 1793)
* 1762 - Constanze Mozart, wife of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (d. 1842)
* 1779 - Zebulon Pike, American explorer (d. 1813)
* 1779 - Stephen Decatur, American naval officer (d. 1820)
* 1829 - Sir Roger Tichborne, missing U.K. heir who was the subject of the longest criminal trial in British history (d. c. 1854)
* 1834 - William John Wills, English explorer of Australia, member of the Burke and Wills expedition (d. 1861)
* 1838 - Camille Jordan, French mathematician (d. 1922)
* 1846 - Rudolf Christoph Eucken, German writer, Nobel laureate (d. 1926)
* 1855 - King Camp Gillette, American inventor (d. 1932)
* 1864 - Bob Caruthers, American baseball player (d. 1911)
* 1864 - Ban Johnson, American baseball executive (d. 1931)
* 1865 - Julio Garavito Armero, Colombian astronomer (d. 1920)
* 1871 - Frederick Converse, U.S. composer (d. 1940)
* 1874 - Joseph Erlanger, American physiologist, Nobel laureate (d. 1965)
* 1876 - Konrad Adenauer, German statesman (d. 1967)
* 1879 - Hans Eppinger, Austrian physician (d. 1946)
* 1880 - Nikolay Medtner, Russian composer (d. 1951)
* 1882 - Herbert Bayard Swope, U.S. journalist who coined the term "Cold War" (d. 1958)
* 1885 - Humbert Wolfe, Italian-British poet (d. 1940)
* 1893 - Zoltán Böszörmény, Hungarian Nazi politician (d. unknown)
* 1893 - Paramahansa Yogananda, Indian guru (d. 1952)
* 1895 - Jeannette Piccard, American teacher, scientist, priest, and aeronaut (d. 1981)
* 1895 - Elizabeth Cotten, American musician (d. 1987)
* 1900 - Yves Tanguy, French painter (d. 1955)
* 1902 - Stella Gibbons, English novelist (d. 1989)
* 1903 - Harold Gatty, Australian aviator, navigator with Wiley Post (d. 1957)
* 1904 - Erica Morini, Austrian violinist (d. 1995)
* 1904 - Jeane Dixon, American astrologer (d. 1997)
* 1906 - Kathleen Kenyon, English archaeologist (d. 1978)
* 1908 - George Dolenz, American actor (d. 1963)
* 1909 - Stephen Kleene, American mathematician (d. 1994)
* 1909 - Lucienne Bloch, Swiss-U.S. sculptor, muralist, photographer (d. 1995)
* 1910 - Jack Lovelock, New Zealand athlete (d. 1949)
* 1910 - Hugh Brannum, American actor (d. 1987)
* 1911 - Jean-Pierre Aumont, French actor (d. 2001)
* 1914 - Nicolas de Staël, French-Russian painter (d. 1955)
* 1914 - George Reeves, American actor (d. 1959)
* 1915 - Arthur H. Robinson, Canadian-born cartographer (d. 2004)
* 1917 - Wieland Wagner, German stage director (d. 1966)
* 1917 - Jane Wyman, American actress (d. 2007)
* 1917 - Francis L. Kellogg, U.S. diplomat and prominent socialite (d. 2006)
* 1917 - Lucienne Day, textile designer
* 1919 - Severino Gazzelloni, Italian flautist (d. 1992)
* 1920 - Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Italian pianist (d. 1995)
* 1921 - Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Swiss writer (d. 1990)
* 1921 - Paul Governali, American professional football player (d. 1978)
* 1921 - Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg
* 1922 - Admiral Sir Anthony Synnot, Chief of the Australian Defence Force (d. 2001)
* 1923 - Sam Phillips, American music producer (d. 2003)
* 1924 - Dr Gilbert Bogle, Australian scientist who died in the Bogle-Chandler case (1963)
* 1926 - Hosea Williams, American activist (d. 2000)
* 1926 - William De Witt Snodgrass, American poet
* 1928 - Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Pakistani statesman (d. 1979)
* 1928 - Walter Mondale, American politician
* 1929 - Wilbert Harrison, American singer (d. 1994)
* 1931 - Alvin Ailey, American choreographer (d. 1989)
* 1931 - Alfred Brendel, Austrian pianist
* 1931 - Joan Coxsedge, Australian politician
* 1931 - Robert Duvall, American actor
* 1932 - Raisa Gorbacheva, wife of Mikhail Gorbachev (d. 1999)
* 1932 - Umberto Eco, Italian writer
* 1932 - Chuck Noll, American football coach
* 1934 - William Bendeck, Bolivian rally driver (d. 1971)
* 1936 - Florence King, American humorist
* 1938 - King Juan Carlos I of Spain
* 1938 - Jim Otto, American football player
* 1938 - Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Kenyan writer
* 1940 - Michael O'Donoghue, American writer (d. 1994)
* 1940 - Yuri Ershov, Russian mathematician
* 1940 - Athol Guy, Australian singer, member of The Seekers
* 1940 - General Sir Michael Rose, UK military officer, prominent in Bosnia
* 1941 - Hayao Miyazaki, Japanese film maker
* 1941 - Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Indian cricketer
* 1942 - Jan Leeming, English television presenter and newsreader
* 1942 - Terenci Moix, Spanish writer (d. 2003)
* 1942 - Maurizio Pollini, Italian pianist
* 1942 - Charlie Rose, American talk show host
* 1943 - Justice Mary Gaudron, first female judge of the High Court of Australia
* 1944 - Ed Rendell, American politician
* 1945 - Chuck McKinley, U.S. tennis player (d. 1986)
* 1945 - Roger Spottiswoode, Canadian-born film director
* 1946 - Diane Keaton, American actress
* 1947 - Mercury Morris, American football player
* 1948 - Ted Lange, American actor
* 1949 - George Brown, American drummer (Kool & The Gang)
* 1950 - Ioan Petru Culianu, Romanian-born professor (d. 1991)
* 1950 - John Manley, Canadian politician
* 1950 - Charlie Richmond, Canadian entrepreneur
* 1950 - Chris Stein, American guitarist (Blondie)
* 1951 - Steve Arnold, English footballer
* 1953 - Steve Archer, American singer (The Archers)
* 1953 - Pamela Sue Martin, American actress
* 1953 - Mike Rann, Australian politician
* 1953 - George Tenet, American CIA director
* 1954 - Alex English, American basketball player
* 1956 - Chen Kenichi, Japanese-born chef
* 1957 - Kevin Hastings, Australian rugby league footballer
* 1958 - Nancy Delahunt, Canadian athlete (curling)
* 1959 - Clancy Brown, American actor
* 1960 - Steve Jones, British aviator (Red Bull Air Race World Series)
* 1960 - Glenn Strömberg, Swedish footballer
* 1960 - Phil Thornalley, English bass guitarist (The Cure)
* 1962 - Suzy Amis, American actress
* 1962 - Perry Fenwick, English actor
* 1962 - Danny Jackson, American baseball player
* 1963 - Jeff Fassero, American baseball player
* 1964 - Grant Young, American drummer (Soul Asylum)
* 1965 - Vinnie Jones, English-born Welsh footballer and actor
* 1966 - Kate Schellenbach, American drummer (Luscious Jackson)
* 1967 - Joe Flanigan, American actor
* 1968 - DJ Bobo, Swiss singer
* 1968 - Ricky Paull Goldin, American actor
* 1968 - Andrew Golota, Polish boxer
* 1968 - Carrie Ann Inaba, American dancer and choreographer
* 1968 - Joé Juneau, Canadian ice hockey player
* 1969 - Marilyn Manson, American singer
* 1969 - Paul McGillion, Scottish actor
* 1970 - Rick Campanelli, Canadian TV presenter
* 1971 - Mayuko Takata, Japanese actress
* 1972 - Sakis Rouvas, Greek singer
* 1973 - Phil Joel, Australian bassist (Newsboys)
* 1975 - Kylie Bax, New Zealand model
* 1975 - Bradley Cooper, American actor
* 1975 - Warrick Dunn, American football player
* 1975 - Mike Grier, American ice hockey player
* 1976 - Diego Tristán, Spanish footballer
* 1976 - Matt Wachter, American bassist (30 Seconds to Mars)
* 1978 - January Jones, American actress
* 1978 - Franck Montagny, French Formula One driver
* 1978 - Sabrina Harman, American military figure and accused torturer
* 1979 - Kyle Calder, Canadian ice hockey player
* 1979 - Ronnie O'Brien, Irish footballer
* 1980 - Bennie Joppru, National Football League tight end
* 1981 - Corey Flynn, New Zealand rugby union footballer
* 1981 - Brooklyn Sudano, American actress
* 1982 - Janica Kostelić, Croatian skier
* 1983 - Sean Dockery, American basketball player
* 1984 - Amanda Hearst, American heiress
* 1985 - Michael Cuccione, Canadian actor (d. 2001)
* 1985 - Yoon So-Yi, South Korean actress
* 1986 - Deepika Padukone, Indian model and actress
* 1986 - Teppei Koike, Japanese actor and singer
* 1988 - Pauline, French singer
* 1989 - Krisztián Németh, Hungarian footballer
* 1996 - Max Baldry, English actor

Deaths


* 842 - Al-Mu'tasim, Abbasid caliph (b. 794)
* 1066 - Edward the Confessor, King of England (b. 1004)
* 1387 - King Peter IV of Aragon (b. 1319)
* 1400 - John Montacute, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, English politician (executed) (b. c. 1350)
* 1448 - Christopher of Bavaria (b. 1416)
* 1465 - Charles, Duke of Orléans, French poet (b. 1394)
* 1477 - Charles, Duke of Burgundy (killed in battle) (b. 1433)
* 1524 - Marko Marulić, Croatian poet (b. 1450)
* 1527 - Felix Manz, Swiss leader (executed) (b. 1498)
* 1588 - Qi Jiguang, Chinese general (b. 1528)
* 1589 - Catherine de' Medici, queen of Henry II of France (b. 1519)
* 1713 - Jean Chardin, French explorer (b. 1643)
* 1740 - Antonio Lotti, Italian composer (b. 1667)
* 1762 - Empress Elizabeth of Russia (b. 1709)
* 1771 - John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford, British statesman (b. 1710)
* 1823 - Major George Johnston, Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales (b. 1764)
* 1846 - Alfred Thomas Agate, American artist (b. 1812)
* 1858 - Joseph Radetzky von Radetz, Austrian field marshal (b. 1766)
* 1860 - Saint John Nepomucene Neumann, first American bishop to be canonized (b. 1811)
* 1883 - Charles Tompson, first Australian published poet (b. 1806)
* 1888 - Henri Herz, Austrian pianist (b. 1803)
* 1891 - Emma Abbott, American soprano (b. 1849)
* 1904 - Karl Alfred von Zittel, German palaeontologist (b. 1839)
* 1910 - Léon Walras, French economist (b. 1834)
* 1922 - Ernest Shackleton, Irish explorer (b. 1874)
* 1933 - Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States (b. 1872)
* 1937 - Marie Booth, child of William and Catherine Booth (b. 1864)
* 1939 - Amelia Earhart, American aviator declared dead after disappearance in 1937. (b. 1897)
* 1940 - Humbert Wolfe, Italian-British poet (b. 1885)
* 1941 - Amy Johnson, English aviator (b. 1903)
* 1943 - George Washington Carver, American educator (b. 1864)
* 1946 - Kitty Cheatham, American singer (b. 1864)
* 1951 - Andrei Platonov, Russian writer (b. 1899)
* 1952 - Victor Hope, 2nd Marquess of Linlithgow, Viceroy of India (b. 1887)
* 1952 - Hristo Tatarchev, Bulgarian revolutionary (b. 1869)
* 1954 - Rabbit Maranville, American baseball player (b. 1891)
* 1956 - Mistinguett, French singer (b. 1875)
* 1963 - Rogers Hornsby, American baseball player (b. 1896)
* 1970 - Max Born, German physicist, Nobel laureate (b. 1882)
* 1970 - Cyril Fagan, Irish astrologer (b. 1896)
* 1970 - Roberto Gerhard, Catalan composer (b. 1896)
* 1971 - Douglas Shearer, Canadian film engineer (b. 1899)
* 1974 - Lev Oborin, Russian pianist (b. 1907)
* 1976 - John A. Costello, Taoiseach of Ireland (b. 1891)
* 1976 - Mal Evans, Beatles' "roadie" (b. 1935)
* 1979 - Charles Mingus, American musician (b. 1922)
* 1981 - Harold C. Urey, American chemist, Nobel laureate (b. 1893)
* 1981 - Lanza del Vasto, Italian philosopher (b. 1901)
* 1982 - Sir Edmund Herring, Australian military commander, Lieutenant Governor of Victoria (b. 1892)
* 1982 - Hans Conried, American actor (b. 1917)
* 1982 - Harvey Lembeck, American actor (b. 1923)
* 1985 - Robert L. Surtees, American Oscar-winning cinematographer (Ben-Hur) (b. 1906)
* 1987 - Herman Smith-Johannsen, Norwegian-born Canadian cross-country skier (b. 1875)
* 1987 - Margaret Laurence, Canadian Author (b. 1926)
* 1988 - Pete Maravich, American basketball player (b. 1947)
* 1990 - Arthur Kennedy, American actor (b. 1914)
* 1991 - Vasko Popa, Yugoslav poet (b. 1922)
* 1994 - Brian Johnston, English cricket commentator (b. 1912)
* 1994 - Tip O'Neill, American politician (b. 1912)
* 1996 - Lincoln Kirstein, American writer, impresario, art connoisseur (b. 1907)
* 1996 - Yahya Ayyash, Palestinian freedom fighter (b. 1966)
* 1997 - Burton Lane, American composer and lyricist (b. 1912)
* 1997 - André Franquin, Belgian cartoonist (Gaston Lagaffe) (b. 1924)
* 1998 - Sonny Bono, American entertainer and politician (b. 1935)
* 1998 - Ken Forssi, American musician (Love) (b. 1943)
* 2001 - Nancy Parsons, American actress (b. 1942)
* 2003 - Massimo Girotti, Italian film actor (b. 1918)
* 2003 - Roy Jenkins, British politician (b. 1920)
* 2003 - Doreen Carwithen, British composer, widow of William Alwyn (b. 1922)
* 2003 - Jean Kerr, American author (b. 1923)
* 2004 - Tug McGraw, American baseball player, father of Tim McGraw (b. 1944)
* 2005 - Danny Sugerman, American music manager (The Doors) (b. 1954)
* 2006 - Lord Merlyn-Rees, British politician (b. 1920)
* 2007 - Momofuku Ando, inventor of instant noodles and cup noodles (b. 1910)
* 2007 - Chih Ree Sun, Chinese-American physicist and poet (b. 1923)
* 2008 - Clinton Grybas, Australian sports commentator (b. 1975)


984 marked the high watermark of the "New Music" of the Eighties (see 1983-The Year in Music), and the British invasion was still a force to be reckoned with. In March, 24 of the Top 50 singles in the U.S. were by British acts. It was also a year when soundtracks produced one big hit after another; the Footloose soundtrack was the biggest of these, with Kenny Loggins, Deniece Williams, and the duo of Mike Reno and Ann Wilson all having Top Ten hits off the album. Prince scored several hits, and reached the pinnacle of his career, with songs from the Purple Rain soundtrack, and Ray Parker, Jr. enjoyed a #1 hit with the theme from Ghostbusters -- as well as a plagiarism lawsuit filed by Huey Lewis and the News. Tina Turner made the biggest comeback in rock history, Madonna introduced herself in her first (but certainly not last) incarnation as a "boy toy," and Phil Collins and Steve Perry -- of Genesis and Journey respectively -- discovered just how successful you could be in a solo career if you followed a few simple guidelines: make your music danceable and MTV-compatible. Critics, of course, deplored the paucity of "message" in the New Music, and many blamed video. But there could be no denying that the music industry, suffering so grievously in the late Seventies, was healthy again. And even people like Bruce Springsteen and Hall and Oates, while initially scornful of video's importance to their careers, jumped on the bandwagon -- and profited greatly for the compromise.
Reggae entered the mainstream, thanks in no small part to UB40's Labour of Love, and a growing infatuation in white suburbia accounted for a steady stream of Bob Marley albums, singles, videos and books. Electro-pop insinuated itself into every genre, making itself indispensible to artists as diverse as Earth, Wind & Fire to New Order. In fact, in many respects, electro took over soul music and invigorated rap. Just ask deejay-rapper Afrika Bambaata. The Thompson Twins proved you could make some really good music with nothing but high-tech equipment. It seemed like everyone was employing the beatbox and the synth -- even Dr. John ("Jet Set"). Electro continued to stir controversy, as old-fashioned sorts persisted in their belief that the Oberheim DMX and other electronic contraptions betrayed music because anybody could make music with them. As though there was something inherently wrong with that.

As controversial as electro remained, the biggest controversy of the year surrounded Frankie Goes To Hollywood, who dared address the twin taboos of sex and politics with their monster hits "Relax" and "Two Tribes." The video for the former was banned in Britain because it dealt with gay sex -- insuring that the single would zoom to #1. The latter stayed at the #1 spot for nine weeks and went gold in seven days. The lesson: even a group of moderately talented fellows producing average material could soar to superstardom if they were willing to be just a little outrageous and iconoclastic. A mirror of the times, music had become awfully conservative. This was nowhere more evident than in country-and-western, where the most unusual thing to happen was that Willie Nelson teamed up with Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias for a hit single. C&W was never more homogenized; The Osmonds went country, Vegas lounge singer Lee Greenwood was named Best Male Singer and Slim Whitman was all the rage in Britain. Before the decade was out, however, country music would be fundamentally changed.

On the business end of things, this was the year when the record companies began to rethink giving away videos as free promotional material, and starting thinking of them as a mean to make a profit. MTV cut deals with several major labels, paying out millions for exclusive rights to videos. Nonetheless, MTV showed a profit for the first time in the first quarter of '84. Other entities showed profits, some tremendous. CBS enjoyed a 500% increase in profits. Industry-wide, the number of albums certified gold was up 25% over the previous year. Cassette sales outstripped LPs. On the legal front, a lower court ruled that the Federal Trade Commission failed to prove that the proposed merger of Warner's and Polygram's domestic record operations was an anti-trust violation. The merger would concentrate 26% of the American record market under a single joint venture.


Notable Events of the Year
Reggae entered the mainstream, thanks in no small part to UB40's Labour of Love, and a growing infatuation in white suburbia accounted for a steady stream of Bob Marley albums, singles, videos and books. Electro-pop insinuated itself into every genre, making itself indispensible to artists as diverse as Earth, Wind & Fire to New Order. In fact, in many respects, electro took over soul music and invigorated rap. Just ask deejay-rapper Afrika Bambaata. The Thompson Twins proved you could make some really good music with nothing but high-tech equipment. It seemed like everyone was employing the beatbox and the synth -- even Dr. John ("Jet Set"). Electro continued to stir controversy, as old-fashioned sorts persisted in their belief that the Oberheim DMX and other electronic contraptions betrayed music because anybody could make music with them. As though there was something inherently wrong with that.

As controversial as electro remained, the biggest controversy of the year surrounded Frankie Goes To Hollywood, who dared address the twin taboos of sex and politics with their monster hits "Relax" and "Two Tribes." The video for the former was banned in Britain because it dealt with gay sex -- insuring that the single would zoom to #1. The latter stayed at the #1 spot for nine weeks and went gold in seven days. The lesson: even a group of moderately talented fellows producing average material could soar to superstardom if they were willing to be just a little outrageous and iconoclastic. A mirror of the times, music had become awfully conservative. This was nowhere more evident than in country-and-western, where the most unusual thing to happen was that Willie Nelson teamed up with Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias for a hit single. C&W was never more homogenized; The Osmonds went country, Vegas lounge singer Lee Greenwood was named Best Male Singer and Slim Whitman was all the rage in Britain. Before the decade was out, however, country music would be fundamentally changed.

On the business end of things, this was the year when the record companies began to rethink giving away videos as free promotional material, and starting thinking of them as a mean to make a profit. MTV cut deals with several major labels, paying out millions for exclusive rights to videos. Nonetheless, MTV showed a profit for the first time in the first quarter of '84. Other entities showed profits, some tremendous. CBS enjoyed a 500% increase in profits. Industry-wide, the number of albums certified gold was up 25% over the previous year. Cassette sales outstripped LPs. On the legal front, a lower court ruled that the Federal Trade Commission failed to prove that the proposed merger of Warner's and Polygram's domestic record operations was an anti-trust violation. The merger would concentrate 26% of the American record market under a single joint venture.


Notable Events of the Year
Bob Geldorf orchestrates a gathering of rock stars called Band Aid to record "Do They Know It's Christmas," the proceeds from which will go towards famine relief in Ethiopia. The song debuted at #1 in the UK (November), and two weeks later made the top of the US chart. Written by Geldorf, the song would eventually sell 50 million copies. Among those who performed: Bananarama, Culture Club, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Heaven 17, Kool and the Gang, Paul McCartney, Paul Young, Phil Collins, Sting, U2 and Wham!
Michael Jackson's Thriller, having sold 30 million units (so far) and a record-breaking 32 weeks at the top of the album chart, earns the artist a record eight Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards. On 26 January, Michael's hair catches on fire while he's filming a Pepsi commercial; the artist suffers second-degree burns.
The Jacksons' Victory tour is the biggest grossing road show of the year. Michael Jackson earned $5 million -- and gave all of it to charity. Meanwhile Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA tour visited 61 cities in 11 countries -- and was seen by 4.7 million fans.
Britain's first cable TV channel, Sky Channel, begins operations in January. And, while on the subject of the UK, "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood becomes Britain's bestselling single of the 1980s. The song's 43-week chart run would be the longest since Englebert Humperdinck's "Release Me" in 1967-68. The band's debut album, Welcome To The Pleasuredome, set a new record of over one million advance orders and entered the UK chart at #1.
After spending eight years in a stroke-induced coma, soul great Jackie Wilson dies, age 49. Other deaths in 1984: blues singers Big Mama Thornton and Alberta Hunter, country legend Ernest Tubb, R&B's Z.Z. Hill, jazz band leader Count Basie (79), bluegrass picker Don Reno ("Dueling Banjos"), age 58, and songwriter Meredith Wilson. Ethel Merman dies at 75. Soul superstar Marvin Gaye is shot to death by his father, a retired minister, during a family argument. ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill accidentally shoots himself in the abdomen with a .38 caliber pistol, but survives.

* AT&T Broken Up


* The first Apple Macintosh goes on sale


* Sony and Philips introduce the first commercial CD Players


* Sony makes the first 3 1/2" computer disk


* The Space Shuttle Discovery has its maiden voyage


* First Ever flight in Space by Human untethered using jet back Packs


* Genetic fingerprinting or DNA profiling was developed and is now in wide by Forensic scientists when obtaining evidence in a crime



The Official Music of the XXIII Olympiad: Los Angeles 1984 LP featured
Loverboy, Foreigner, Toto, and composer John Williams

Top Ten Singles
January
1. "Owner Of A Lonely Heart," Yes
2. "Say Say Say," Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson
3. "Talking In Your Sleep," Romantics
4. "Break My Stride," Matthew Wilder
5. "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues," Elton John
6. "Twist Of Fate," Olivia Newton-John
7. "Karma Chameleon," Culture Club
8. "Say It Isn't So," Hall and Oates
9. "Union Of The Snake," Duran Duran
10. "Running With The Night," Lionel Richie


Albums of the Year

Building the Perfect Beast, Don Henley; Sports, Huey Lewis & The News;
Like A Virgin, Madonna

Building the Perfect Beast, Don Henley (Geffen)
The '70s supergroup The Eagles broke up as the Eighties dawned, and while band member Glenn Frey embarked on a safe (and profitable) commercial path, drummer Don Henley did it differently. Throughout the 1980s he worked deliberately, painstakingly, to craft music with meaning, releasing only three solo albums during the decade. Building the Perfect Beast remains his most enduring classic. Aided by Danny Kortchmar (who wrote nine of the ten tracks on the album), Henley heroically carried the mantle of the Eagles with dignity and breathtaking skill as he forged a sound by fusing electronic and rock, creating in the opinion of many one of the ultimate albums of the '80s, complete with sometimes searing sociopolitical indictments, yet all cloaked in irresistible music, the prime examples of which are "Boys Of Summer," "Sunset Grill," and "All She Wants To Do Is Dance." The album was released in November 1984; the singles dominated the charts in early 1985.
Sports, Huey Lewis and the News (Chrysalis)
This Marin County, California group, formed in 1980, had a Top 10 hit with "Do You Believe In Love" from their previous album, but it wasn't until the release of Sports that they became superstars. This album, a perfectly easygoing rock-soul fusion, produced four consecutive Top 10 hits, including "The Heart of Rock 'n' Roll," "If This Is It," and "I Want A New Drug." Though Huey Lewis and the News would not have their first #1 until 1985 -- "Power of Love" from the hit movie Back To The Future --it was Sports that proved to be the band's highwater mark, and its defining moment as the chief purveyors of a pop-rock-soul sound that appealed to music fans across a broad spectrum.
Like A Virgin, Madonna (Sire)
1983's self-titled debut album introduced Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone to the music world, and produced several hits that hovered in the Top 10 realm of the charts throughout the early part of 1984 -- hits like "Borderline" and "Lucky Star." But it was her second platter, Like A Virgin, released in November 1984, that would establish Madonna as a superstar, and that there was a lot more behind the boytoy image. This albums singles wouldn't dominate the charts until 1985; "LIke A Virgin" would hit the top on December 22, 1984 and stay there for six weeks, and "Material Girl" would do nearly as well a few months later. In fact, it wasn't until a year after release that Like A Virgin would hit the top of the album chart. But that was indicative of Madonna's remarkable staying power.
Purple Rain, Prince and the Revolution (Warner Bros.)
Those who dismissed this album, initially, as a film soundtrack were in for a big surprise. It was, in fact, Prince's most brilliant and cohesive work, his (and the Revolution's) finest hour, an almost instant classic that would showcase the artist's genius as no other album before or since. Though Prince had a clear vision of the film by the same name, and theoretically wrote all the tracks with that vision in mind, the songs stand independently of the film, and five of them were hit singles, with a couple of #1's: "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy." The album would eventually sell 14 million units, and to no one's surprise. It was his masterpiece, and everyone, including Prince, could tell. Ironically, while Prince downplayed the overt sexuality inherent on past records, it was the lyrics of a song in this collection, "Darling Nikki," that inspired Tipper Gore to form the Parents Music Resource Center that agitated for warning labels on music.
Run D.M.C., Run D.M.C. (Profile)
The raw and innovative sound of nineteen-year-old rappers Run (Joseph Simmons), D.M.C. (Darryl McDaniels) and DJ Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell) did for rap what Van Halen's Jump did for metal -- it made it accessible to mainstream music listeners. And it did it by blending styles; the influential hit "Rock Box" ends with a blazing heavy-metal guitar piece by Eddie Martinez. This hugely successful rap-metal fusion would lead to greater things -- Run D.M.C.'s own remake of "Walk This Way" with Aerosmith, not to mention The Beastie Boys' "Fight for Your Right to Party" and Tone-Loc's "Wild Thing." "Rock Box" was also MTV's first rap video. In so many ways, this album proved that rap with positive messages and innovative absorbtion of other musical styles, could have broad appeal.
The Smiths, The Smiths (Sire)
The Smith's debut album entered the UK charts at the #2 spot -- and did it without benefit of a major label, a video, or much promotion to speak of. The reason for this success was simple enough; guitarist Johnny Marr and singer/songwriter Morrissey discovered a recipe for success, a commercial sound, as epitomized by the hit single "This Charming Man," fused with uncompromising lyrics arising from their indie roots. The album became an alternative radio favorite in the U.S. and rightly so, and The Smiths proved that even in the mid-Eighties there was a place for a band that rejected the "chart group" mentality and did things differently.
Born In The USA, Bruce Springsteen (Columbia)
Ten years after his classic Born To Run, and in the wake of his spare, solo Nebraska effort, the Boss reunited with the E Street Band to produce a rock album that produced seven Top 10 singles and made The Boss an American icon in the process. Seven of the tracks -- including "Born In The USA" -- were actually written and/or recorded prior to 1982's Nebraska. New songs were recorded but most, with the exceptions of "My Hometown" and "Dancing In The Dark," were discarded. The campaigns of both 1984 presidential candidates misinterpreted and exploited the title track; though wrapped in mainstream rock, these songs were tough and sometimes bitter condemnations of everything The Boss thought was wrong with American politics and society.
Private Dancer, Tina Turner (MCA)
Described by Rolling Stone as probably the greatest comeback album of the decade, Private Dancer went multi-platinum, reaffirmed Turner's place in the rock pantheon, and was a perfect example of the genre-blending style of Eighties music. The #1 hit "What's Love Got To Do With It" was built on a reggae foundation, "I Can't Stop The Rain" was electro-pop at its best, and Jeff Beck backed Turner on rock tunes like "Steel Claw." The album's opening track, "I Might Have Been Queen," penned by Jeanette Obstoj, is based on Turner's life story as related by the artist to producer Rupert Hine, and is as autobiographical as any song could be.
1984, Van Halen (Warner Bros.)
This metal band featuring flamboyant front man David Lee Roth, guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen and bassist Michael Anthony had been one of the hottest live acts for almost a decade. Prior to Jump, they'd generally cut albums to augment their road show reputation. This time, though, they were bored with the same old stuff, and took their time, learning how to mesh the new synth-pop sound very much in vogue in the mid-Eighties with their raucous guitar-based rock. The end result, their bestselling album yet, and their first #1, the title track. Some low-budget but highly popular videos propelled them into MTV staples, as well. This album made metal accessible to the mainstream music buyers, and paved the way for the invasion of the Top Forty by Bon Jovi and others.
Zen Arcade, Husker Du (SST)
This album didn't chart, but that doesn't detract from its importance as a landmark in elevating punk rock from the helpless rage of its previous incarnation into something far more expansive -- and hopeful. Husker Du, a Minneapolis-based trio, had set the thrash-rock standard in 1981 with their debut album; with Zen Arcade the band delivered a powerful message to disaffected youth: It's not enough to scream and rant about the inequities of life. You have to do something about it. As with so many great albums of '84, Husker Du expanded their musical repertoire, borrowing from other genres, including folk and psychedelic rock. Though not a commercial success, the album is undoubtedly a cultural (or subcultural) milestone.


Major Events of 1984

* Indira Gandhi murdered
UK and China agree on Hong Kong
Poison gas escapes from Union Carbide factories
300 people die when Indian Army attacks the Sikh Temple
Moderates win elections in El Salvador
AIDS breaks out

Sports:
1984 Olympics-Los Angeles
NBA: Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers Series: 4-3
NCAA Football: Brigham Young University Record: 13-0-0
Heisman Trophy: Doug Flutie, boston college, QB points: 2,240
Stanley Cup: Edmunton Oilers vs. New York Islanders Series: 4-1
Super Bowl XVIII: Los Angeles Raiders vs. Washington Redskins Score: 38-9
US Open Golf: Fuzzy Zoller Score: 276* Course: Winged Foot GC Location: Mamaroneck, NY (* Playoff with Greg Norman)
World Series: Detroit Tigers vs. San Diego Padres Series: 4-1

Top Ten Movies

1. Beverly Hills Cop
2. Footloose
3. Ghostbusters
4. Gremlins
5. Greystoke
6. The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes
7. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
8. The Karate Kid
9. The Natural
10. Police Academy






Most Popular Books

Fiction
1. "The Talisman" by Stephen King
2. "The Aquitaine Progression" by Robert Ludlum
3. "The Sicilian" by Mario Puzo
4. "Love and War" by John Jakes
5. "The Butter Battle Book" by Dr. Seuss

Nonfiction
1. "Iacocca: An Autobiography" by Lee Iacocca
2. "Loving Each Other" by Leo Buscaglia
3. "Eat to Win" by Robert Haas, M. D.
4. "Pieces of My Mind" by Andrew Rooney
5. "Weight Watchers' Fast and Fabulous Cookbook"

Most Popular Television Shows

1. Dynasty (ABC)
2. Dallas (CBS)
3. The Cosby Show (NBC)
4. 60 Minutes (CBS)
5. Family Ties (NBC)
6. The A-Team (NBC)
7. Simon & Simon (CBS)
8. Murder, She Wrote (CBS)
9. Knots Landing (CBS)
10. Falcon Crest (CBS)
Academy Awards

Best Picture: "Amadeus"
Best Director:Milos Forman ... "Amadeus"
Best Actor:F. Murray Abraham ... "Amadeus"
Best Actress:Sally Field ... "Places in the Heart"
Grammy Awards

Record of the Year: "What's Love Got To Do With It?" ... Tina Turner
Song of the Year: "What's Love Got To Do With It?" ...Graham Lyle, Terry Britten
Best Album: "Can't Slow Down" ... Lionel Richie
Male Vocalist: Phil Collins ... "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)" Female Vocalist:Tina Turner ... "What's Love Got To Do With It?"
Nobel Prizes
Chemistry

MERRIFIELD, ROBERT BRUCE, U.S.A., Rockefeller University, New York, NY, b.1921:

"for his development of methodology for chemical synthesis on a solid
matrix"
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Literature

EIFERT, JAROSLAV, Czechoslovakia, b. 1901, d. 1986:

"for his poetry which endowed with freshness, sensuality and rich
inventiveness provides a liberating image of the indomitable spirit and
versatility of man"
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Peace

TUTU, DESMOND MPILO, South Africa, b. 1931: Bishop of Johannesburg, former Secretary General South African Council of Churches (S.A.C.C.). for his work against apartheid.
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Physiology or Medicine

The prize was awarded jointly to:

JERNE, NIELS K., Denmark, Basel Institute for Immunology, Basel,
Switzerland, b. 1911, d. 1994;

KOHLER, GEORGES J.F., Federal Republic of Germany, Basel Institute for
Immunology, Basel, Switzerland, b. 1946, d. 1995; and

MILSTEIN, CESAR, Great Britain and Argentina, MRC Laboratory of Molecular
Biology, Cambridge, b. 1927 (in Bahia Blanca, Argentina):

"for theories concerning the specificity in development and control of the
immune system and the discovery of the principle for production of
monoclonal antibodies"
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Physics

The prize was awarded jointly to:

RUBBIA, CARLO, Italy, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, b. 1934; and

VAN DER MEER, SIMON, the Netherlands, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, b. 1925:

"for their decisive contributions to the large project, which led to the
discovery of the field particles W and Z, communicators of weak interaction"

Pulitzer Prizes

Drama:David Mamet ... "Glengarry Glen Ross"
Fiction:William Kennedy ... "Ironweed"
International Reporting: Thomas L. Friedman ... "New York Times" & Loren Jenkins ... "Washington Post"
National Reporting: Staff ... John Noble Wilford ... "New York Times"
Public Service:"Los Angeles Times"
Tony Awards

Best Play: "The Real Thing" ... Tom Stoppard
Best Musical: "La Cage aux Folles"
"Best Actor in a play:
Jeremy Irons ... "The Real Thing"
Best Actress in a play:Glenn Close ... "The Real Thing"
Best Actor in a musical: George Hearn ... "La Cage Aux Folles"
Best Actress in a musical:Chita Rivera ... "The Rink"



Economics
US GDP (1998 dollars): $3,902.40 billion
Federal spending: $851.85 billion
Federal debt: $1564.7 billion
Median Household Income
(current dollars): $22,415
Consumer Price Index: 103.9
Unemployment: 7.5%
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.20
How Much things cost in 1984
Yearly Inflation Rate USA4.3 %
Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 1211
Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 10.75%
Average Cost of new house $86,730.00
Average Income per year $21,600.00
Average Monthly Rent $350.00
Movie Ticket $2.50
1 gallon of gas $1.10
Dodge RAM 50 Truck $8,995.00
Below are some Prices for UK guides in Pounds Stirling
Average House Price 37,182
Gallon of Petrol 1.83
Yearly Inflation Rate UK 5.0%
Interest Rates Year End Bank of England 9.50%


opular Culture 1984
# The MTV Video Music Awards Started

* 36 of Britain and Ireland's top pop musicians gathered in a Notting Hill studio to form Band Aid and recorded the song "Do They Know It's Christmas" in order to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia
* Michael Jackson wins unprecedented acclaim for his Album Thriller and sales over 37 million copies

Popular Films

* Ghostbusters
* Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
* Gremlins
* Beverly Hills Cop
* Terms of Endearment
* The Karate Kid
* Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
* Police Academy
* Romancing the Stone
* Splash
* The Terminator
* Amadeus
* The Killing Fields
* A Passage To India

What do you remember ? was this the year you graduated ?, what music was being played the year you were born?

Popular Musicians

* Phil Collins
* Alison Moyet
* Billy Joel
* Tina Turner with " What's Love got to do with it "
* David Bowie
* Wham! with " Wake Me up Before You Go "
* Billy Ocean
* UB40
* Stevie Wonder with " I Just Called to say I love You "
* Bruce Springsteen
* Kenny Rogers
* Bananarama
* Duran Duran with " The Reflex "
* Ultravox
* Cars

Popular TV Programmes

* Magnum, P.I.
* Dynasty
* Entertainment Tonight
* Falcon Crest
* Hill Street Blues
* Cagney and Lacey
* Cheers
* Fame
* Knight Rider
* The A-Team
* Jeopardy!