Top World Events Witnessed in Your Lifetime

[EarlJam]

I'm not old, but I've been around for a while now. Looking back, there have been some rather extraordinary events that have happened during my lifetime (only listing the ones I still remember live).

I'll list mine, you list yours. What are the top World Headlines THAT YOU CAN REMEMBER AS IT HAPPENED in your life?

A few of mine (no particular order):

1. 9/11
2. Challenger
3. Berlin Wall Comes Down
4. Regan Shot
5. The Tsunami
6. 1989 San Francisco Earthquake
7. Last Apollo Mission (Barely remember this)
8. End of Vietnam War
9. First Gulf War
10. Princess Diana Death
11. Haley's Comet Appearance
12. Elvis' Death
13. John Lennon's Assassination
14. Katrina
15. Cable TV (can still remember when it was just the 3 networks, plus VHF and UHF.
16. The Internet - (otherwise known as the death of Encyclopedias thank you Al Gore!)
17. Iran Hostage Crisis and Rescue Disaster
18. All of Duke's National Championships! :D

-EarlJam

[DevilAlumna]

That's a pretty good list, but missing the Oklahoma City bombing.

[blazindw]

I would add:

-Columbine
-Virginia Tech shootings
-OJ: The Chase and The Trial
-LA Riots
-The 2003 Blackout
-The beginning of the War in Iraq

And hopefully soon (not to make this PPB), the inauguration of our first black POTUS

[sue71]

President Reagan assassination attempt
70s gas crisis
Chernobyl

[DevilAlumna]

Since we're including World events,

Tiannamen Square (especially timely to remember, considering how fast 08/08/08 is approaching.)
Yeltsin on the Tank to defend Gorbachev against a coup
The Orange revolution in Ukraine
Selection of Joseph Ratzinger to become Pope Benedict XVI

[RainingThrees]

Clintons impeachment trial.

And more important Bombings in London and Madrid.

[CameronBornAndBred]

EJ's list is pretty good, covers me well.

Here's my additions. Trying to think wordly as I can, not just USA.


Mt. Saint Helens eruption
Hole over Antarctica (does that still exist? do people care?)
US Apollo-USSR Soyuz space docking ('75, I remember watching on TV)
Nixon resignation
Viking 1 and 2 landing and sending back images from Mars (still amazes me we did that back then)
The birth of the AIDS epidemic
Personal computing
Video gaming (I still remember deciding whether to spend quarters on pinball or space invaders)
Break up of Soviet Union
Formation of the EU...and the Euro

[dukemomLA]

Add killing of JFK, RKF & MLK. The Bush/Gore election. Three Mile Island. Watergate. ...gee, I could give a list three pages long.

Living in L.A. I have to add the Rodney King riots, the OJ Simpson trial, the Northridge Earthquake, the S.F. earthquake, and of course, the many mudslides and fires.

On a world scale: the years of imprisonment of Nelson Mandela, Idi Amin, Papa Doc, and the fall of the USSR. (....be careful USA -- we could be next).

Of course, I'm assuming that this question just refers to disasters, rather than fond memories.

[Windsor]

Birth control, Ho Chi Minh, Richard Nixon back again
Moonshot, Woodstock, Watergate, punk rock
Begin, Reagan, Palestine, terror on the airline
Ayatollah's in Iran, Russians in Afghanistan

"Wheel of Fortune", Sally Ride, heavy metal suicide,
Foreign debts, homeless vets, AIDS, crack, Bernie Goetz
Hypodermics on the shores, China's under martial law
Rock and roll and cola wars, I can't take it anymore

(tongue in cheek)

[rthomas]

the internets

[ghost]

cell phones

[billybreen]

Birth control, Ho Chi Minh, Richard Nixon back again
Moonshot, Woodstock, Watergate, punk rock
Begin, Reagan, Palestine, terror on the airline
Ayatollah's in Iran, Russians in Afghanistan

"Wheel of Fortune", Sally Ride, heavy metal suicide,
Foreign debts, homeless vets, AIDS, crack, Bernie Goetz
Hypodermics on the shores, China's under martial law
Rock and roll and cola wars, I can't take it anymore

Ullman shorts, Christmas show, Marge's fling, Homer's bro,
Bart in well, Flanders fails, Whacking snakes, monorail,
Mr. Plow, Homer space, Sideshow Bob steps on rakes,
Lisa's future, Selma's hubby, Marge not proud, Homer chubby,

Homer worries Bart is gay, Poochie, U2, NRA,
Hippies, Vegas, and Japan, Octuplets, and Bart's boy band,
Marge murmurs, Maude croaks, Lisa buddhist, Homer tokes,
Maggie blows Burns away, What else do I have to say?

They'll never stop The Simpsons, Have no fears, we've got stories for years

[billybreen]

the internets

Word. The Intarwebs are definitely top of my list.

[Olympic Fan]

In my lifetime:

1. The assassination of JFK (I include the murder of Jack Ruby, which was actually broadcast on TV).

2. Armstrong landing on the moon

3. 9/11

4. The assassination of Bobby and MLK (so close together, it seems like one event)

5. The 1968 Democratic Convention ("The whole world's watching")

6. Sputnik (you had to be there to understand the terror that evoked).

7. The Berlin Wall coming down (symbolizing the end of the Cold War).

8. The end of the Vietnam War (the image I have is if the last desperate refugees hanging from the helicopter as it lifted off the embassy roof).

[Bostondevil]

The first world event that I can remember (and still the coolest) is the first moon landing. My parents insisted that we watch the landing and Armstrong's first walk. They had to get us out of bed for the walk. When they said "The Eagle has landed", my mom started crying. I couldn't figure out why. Now? I can't watch that footage without crying myself.

Sometimes, when I'm feeling old, I'll remind myself that if I were any younger, I wouldn't remember the moon landing.

[wilson]

The first world event that I can remember (and still the coolest) is the first moon landing. My parents insisted that we watch the landing and Armstrong's first walk. They had to get us out of bed for the walk. When they said "The Eagle has landed", my mom started crying. I couldn't figure out why. Now? I can't watch that footage without crying myself.

Sometimes, when I'm feeling old, I'll remind myself that if I were any younger, I wouldn't remember the moon landing.

This is one, probably the one, that I really wish I'd been around for. I have managed to see the shuttle take off (albeit from quite a distance) once, and it was really cool. The space program never ceases to awe me with its acheivements.
The first major event that I truly remember is the fall of the Soviet Union. Mostly I think I remember it because my brother and I were spending a couple of weeks at our grandparents' house, and my grandpa watched CNN for days on end rather than take us fishing.
I also have a snippet's worth of recollection of Tiananmen Square, but nothing very clear, and I definitely didn't grasp its significance at the time.

[Bluedawg]

Great list EarlJam and it will be hard pressed to add to it. here are a few although as I read the rest of the thread I know I'll say, "oh yes, I should have put that."

I remember JFK, Bobby, and MLK's Assassination

the moon landing [if there was one (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10266) :)]

Apollo 13's problems and Apollo 1 burning on the launch pad

The beginning of color TV

And I can still remember, at least in my area, when it was just the 2 networks and no UHF.

[EarlJam]

Great list and it will be hard pressed to add to it.

I remember JFK, Bobby, and MLK's Assassination

the moon landing [if there was one (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10266) :)]

Apollo 13's problems and Apollo 1 burning on the launch pad

The beginning of color TV

And I can still remember, at least in my area, when it was just the 2 networks and no UHF.


EarlJam was born into chaos: November 7, 1968....3:15 p.m.

I got the Time Magazine "1968" issue. What an amazing and amazingly chaotic year. The world must of seemed like it was coming completely unglued.

-EJ

[jimbonelson]

I'm not old, but I've been around for a while now. Looking back, there have been some rather extraordinary events that have happened during my lifetime (only listing the ones I still remember live).

I'll list mine, you list yours. What are the top World Headlines THAT YOU CAN REMEMBER AS IT HAPPENED in your life?

A few of mine (no particular order):

1. 9/11
2. Challenger
3. Berlin Wall Comes Down
4. Regan Shot
5. The Tsunami
6. 1989 San Francisco Earthquake
7. Last Apollo Mission (Barely remember this)
8. End of Vietnam War
9. First Gulf War
10. Princess Diana Death
11. Haley's Comet Appearance
12. Elvis' Death
13. John Lennon's Assassination
14. Katrina
15. Cable TV (can still remember when it was just the 3 networks, plus VHF and UHF.
16. The Internet - (otherwise known as the death of Encyclopedias thank you Al Gore!)
17. Iran Hostage Crisis and Rescue Disaster
18. All of Duke's National Championships! :D

-EarlJam

i was at checkpoint charlie in berlin when the wall came down. the Scorpion were playing live. i was young then and didnt relize the effect it would have on me later on. one of the best days of my life

[wilson]

i was at checkpoint charlie in berlin when the wall came down. the Scorpion were playing live. i was young then and didnt relize the effect it would have on me later on. one of the best days of my life

That's really cool. The fall of the Berlin Wall is very high on my list of things I'd like to have been present for. Interestingly, however, I have not even the vaguest recollections of that episode, even though I was certainly old enough to be aware.

[billybreen]

In my lifetime:

1. The assassination of JFK (I include the murder of Jack Ruby, which was actually broadcast on TV).

You mean Ruby's murder of Oswald, right?

I just watched JFK last week, and it totally bummed me out. I'm really glad I didn't live though those crazy years. It's sad enough just looking back on it.

[rasputin]

I'm old enough to remember just about everything mentioned in this thread. One bizarre news event that I don't think has been discussed is the mass suicide in Guyana by followers of a kook named Jim Jones.

[Udaman]

Cool political and social events...but nothing on sports? Here are some huge moments I remember:

Duke over UNLV
Duke over Kentucky (had to start with two Duke events)

Gibson's HR off Eck
Magic has HIV
Jordan's shot against Cleveland (really the coming out of MJ's clutchness)
Ripken breaking the record
McGuire vs. Sosa in the HR chase (cheaters)
Last 2 minutes and OT of Fresno State - Oklahoma game
Norwood Wide Right
Patriots over Rams
Rams over Titans
Braves - Pirates in 1991
Mets - Sox in 86 (and Astros - Mets in 86 and Red Sox Angels in 86)
Tiger Woods (pretty much all the time)
Tyson biting Holyfield
Norman choking at The Masters
Mize's chip at The Masters
Nicholas winning The Masters in 86
Miracle on Ice

and - things I saw in person

Duke over UNC for Triple Crown in Spring 1988

Duke over Clemson in 1989 in football

Hurricanes winning game 1 of Stanley Cup in 2006

Hurricanes losing game 3 of Stanley Cup in 2003

Floyd Youmans versus Nolan Ryan in Houston, July 8, 1987 - Youmans had no hitter until 1 out in bottom of 9th (closest I've ever come to a no-hitter)

Andre the Giant versus The Shiek - Houston, around 1974

1998 Tour Championship at Eastlake. Followed Michelson and Payne Stewart for 17 holes. After 9 the leaders (Singh and Charles Howell) teed off and Howell pulled one right into us (we had to duck). Ball landed 2 feet from me. Stood over it, until Howell arrived, and got to watch him hit from right there. Really, really cool.

[Shammrog]

Good point. On ESPN radio they've been talking about how so far 2008 has been about the greatest sports year anyone can remember. Superbowl vs. undefeated Pats, classic Kansas/Memphis NCAA final, legendary NBA finals matchup, good NHL finals match up, Tiger/Rocco, Federer/Nidal. Incredible, really.

[EarlJam]

Good point. On ESPN radio they've been talking about how so far 2008 has been about the greatest sports year anyone can remember. Superbowl vs. undefeated Pats, classic Kansas/Memphis NCAA final, legendary NBA finals matchup, good NHL finals match up, Tiger/Rocco, Federer/Nidal. Incredible, really.

Don't forget Bacon's improbable rise to the top of the tennis world in Atlanta!

-BaconJam

[2535Miles]

Andre the Giant versus The Shiek - Houston, around 1974

Oh Andre, we hardly knew him. I miss that guy. Great call!

[Turk]

I am reminded of Grandma Turk, who witnessed almost every cataclysmic event in the 20th century. She came to the US in 1920 from a little horse-n-buggy country town in Europe with no running water or electricity, and lived to see a depression, two world wars, nuclear stalemate, unlimited automotive mobility, moon landings, Watergate, etc. For example, she landed at Ellis Island on a steamship and went back to visit the old country on a 747. (but didn't live to see the Berlin Wall come down....)

So if I extrapolate to when I get to my 80s from mid-20th century until mid-21st century, what will I remember as the "big ones", the true milestones of an era? (assuming of course I make it that far... Mrs. Turk has threatened otherwise from time to time...)

Here's my list so far:
=====
Vietnam
Watergate
Shift from manufacturing to service economy
Berlin Wall / USSR breakup / European Union
AIDS / HIV / DNA / genetic engineering
end of apartheid
"Digital Age" - cable, cell, Internet, GPS, JPG, MP3, etc
Sept. 11 / Islamic terrorism
Economic ascendance of China and India
Unprecedented dominance of Duke basketball :D

What next between now and 2050?
=========
First female or non-Caucasian US President? (check back in Nov!!)
Cure for cancer? Altzheimers? AIDS? Heart disease?
Impact of global warming / population growth?
Economics of post-oil / alternative energy era?
Aging of America / impact of immigration?
Continued unprecedented dominance of Duke basketball!!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

[throatybeard]

BillyBreen passing Evans and EarlJam in post count.

[mapei]

Surprised no one has mentioned Woodstock and Live Aid. For those who were around, Elvis and then the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.

Civil Rights Act (and Montgomery bus boycott before it)
Environmental legislation of the 1970s

Ali vs. Foreman & Frazier

[billybreen]

BillyBreen passing Evans and EarlJam in post count.

What about passing throatybeard? Reese and I had a good laugh at your expense on that glorious day.

[dukemomLA]

When they were destroying the Wall, I was one of the singers sent to Germany to sing THE WALL. (How lucky am I).

After spending my lifetime with the Berlin Wall being a "given," I really couldn't comprehend that its existence had ended.

I have a broken piece of the wall which I brought home. But since I have no way to verify its provence, it is valuable only to me. I cherish it.

[EarlJam]

When they were destroying the Wall, I was one of the singers sent to Germany to sing THE WALL. (How lucky am I).

After spending my lifetime with the Berlin Wall being a "given," I really couldn't comprehend that its existence had ended.

I have a broken piece of the wall which I brought home. But since I have no way to verify its provence, it is valuable only to me. I cherish it.

You sang The Wall at The Wall? That’s awesome! I’d like to hear more about how that came about. Who selected you?

I have a piece of the Berlin wall as well. Was over there in 1994 for a WWII studies class and much of the wall was still there.

Speaking of walls, I think George Bush should go to China just before the start of the Olympics and give a speech next to the Great Wall of China, demanding, “Hu Jintao! Tear down this WALL!”

-EarlJam

[wilson]

Speaking of walls, I think George Bush should go to China just before the start of the Olympics and give a speech next to the Great Wall of China, demanding, “Hu Jintao! Tear down this WALL!”

-EarlJam

This is awesome. We must make it happen.

[Olympic Fan]

You mean Ruby's murder of Oswald, right?

I just watched JFK last week, and it totally bummed me out. I'm really glad I didn't live though those crazy years. It's sad enough just looking back on it.

Doh!

Yes, I did mean the muder of Oswald by Ruby.

PS If you are getting your knowledge of the assassination from Stone's film, that's like getting your knowledge of the moon landings from "Capricorn One."

[creekside]

One thing I would add to this list, as corny as it may sound - Mary Lou Retton's perfect 10 on the vault in 1984. I still remember sitting in the floor watching it as a little girl. All my friends got cool US leotards for Christmas that year - we were all Mary Lou wannabe's!

creekside

[billybreen]

Doh!

Yes, I did mean the muder of Oswald by Ruby.

PS If you are getting your knowledge of the assassination from Stone's film, that's like getting your knowledge of the moon landings from "Capricorn One."

Yeah, I'm not bummed that Tommy Lee Jones didn't go to jail. I'm bummed about the whole event and super psyched I didn't live through the 60s. JFK, RFK, MLK. Seemed like a very depressing time.

[2535Miles]

Speaking of walls, I think George Bush should go to China just before the start of the Olympics and give a speech next to the Great Wall of China, demanding, “Hu Jintao! Tear down this WALL!”
Brilliant.


This is awesome. We must make it happen.
Count me in.

[rasputin]

There were some depressing things about the sixties, but also some optimistic/uplifting things, most notably, ordinary (and young) folks protesting against a war and ultimately (in the '70's) ending it.

[dukemomLA]

Earl Jam,

So how can we get GWBush to head to China to help tear down That Wall? I suspect NO WAY. But again, as posted -- a brilliant idea.

P.S. The Wall at the Wall. Several of the top studio singers in L.A. were asked if they wanted to do that. All asked (which did NOT include me, who was never a studio singer in L.A.) said yes. One of the assigned singers had to drop out due to a family emergency.

Thus I was asked to "fill in" ONLY because the talent coordinator was a friend.

[ricks68]

I remember when both air conditioning and TV first appeared for general use. And, in addition, color TV. Changed everyone's life on the board, I'm sure. We could live comfortably without almost all of the events listed already. But, can you imagine no A/C or TV?

Also, without being able to sit back in a controlled climate to watch the rest of the prior events most accurately revealed, however, would have deprived most of us of those vived recollections.

ricks