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Before the dawn of the 1980s, technology had a relatively reserved presence in the average household. Radios, televisions, and landline telephones were the norm. Few could imagine (outside a comic book) the integration of computers and video games into everyday life. But as the 1980s rolled on, so did an explosion of technological advancements. From personal computers infiltrating homes to the birth of portable music and the early stirrings of the internet, the 80s were undeniably a decade of digital revolution. Few decades have seen such a massive shift in the way we interact with technology. This decade was a major turning point in how machines and digital media would come to dominate our lives in the years to come. To remind ourselves just how far we’ve come, let’s take a look at the different ways the 80s changed technological history. Personal Computers Enter the Home The humble home computer - do any of us still have one? It’s hard to imagine, but the computer was...

A Journey Through The Golden Age of Arcade Games If you were lucky enough to experience the heady days of the late '70s and the '80s in an arcade, you'd know it was not just about gaming. It was a cultural phenomenon—a rite of passage for many. Arcades weren't merely dim-lit rooms filled with the cacophony of digital sound effects; they were social hubs, the backdrop for countless adolescent adventures, and the birthplace of modern gaming. And the games? They were some of the most iconic titles ever created: Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Space Invaders, and more. Let’s take a short walk down memory lane to explore the golden age of arcade games. From their humble beginnings to their remarkable influence on modern gaming, let's take a closer look at what made this era so special. Early Beginnings Before Pac-Man fever gripped the nation, and before Donkey Kong had us jumping over barrels, there was Pong—a game so simple, yet so addictive. Introduced in the late '70s, Pong...

The 1980s wasn't just about glam rock and blockbuster movies; it was a time when youth culture reigned supreme. Youngsters found unity in a shared language, rich in colorful slang that was as vivacious as the era itself. And the slang came from a variety of sources. The British Invasion and the popularity of hip-hop in the U.S. added to the lexicon, as did American surf culture and Valley Girl-speak. And while many of the terms have been consigned to the dustbin of history, there are still a few gems that are worth revisiting. So let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some truly tubular, totally awesome expressions from the 1980s. Don’t be shocked if you find a few sneaking back into your vocabulary! The Totally Tubular Terminology of the 80s Rad! A shortened form of "radical", this word epitomized coolness. Whether you nailed a new skateboard trick or just bought a fresh pair of high-tops, "rad" was the go-to affirmation. Movies like "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"...

Ah, the 1980s—a decade filled with vibrant colors, radical fashion, and groundbreaking music. But let's not forget one of the most electrifying cultural phenomena that emerged during this era: breakdancing. From the streets of the Bronx to the Hollywood silver screen, breakdancing became an integral part of 80s culture. Those gifted with the dance moves of this new art form were admired and respected, quickly becoming popular with a wide range of people. (And the rest of us? We watched in awe as we attempted to imitate their moves.) But what was it about breakdancing that made it so popular? Perhaps it was the fact that anyone could do it—regardless of age, gender, or background. Or maybe it was its connection with hip-hop music that provided a soundtrack for these mesmerizing performances. Whatever the reason, the idea that anyone could become a breakdancer and find a place within this unique culture was—and still is—truly inspiring. The Roots of Breakdancing Before we...

The 1980s was quite the decade. Not only did these years see the rise in neon, punk rock music and the introduction of the VCR to the world, but it also marked a seismic shift in global politics. Namely, 1989 saw the fall of the Berlin Wall, one of the most emblematic symbols of Cold War-era division. The post-war world saw a tangible manifestation of the ideological divide between the East and West through the Berlin Wall. Erected overnight, this concrete barrier divided a city and symbolized the vast chasm between two superpowers and their contrasting worldviews. While many know that the Berlin Wall was an event that occurred, few remember the immense sacrifices people made in order to escape from East German and Communist rule. Thousands of people risked their lives climbing over the wall, digging tunnels under it, and swimming across rivers that separated East Germany from West Germany. Let’s take a closer look at how the Berlin Wall came to be, why it stood for as long...