Penn State beats Georgia in Sugar Bowl for college football title

US Football League holds its 1st player draft
USFL NJ Generals sign Heisman winner Herschel Walker (3 years-$5 mil)

Dow Jones closes above 1100 mark for 1st time

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album goes to #1 & stays #1 for 37 weeks

Final TV episode of "M*A*S*H" airs (CBS); record 125 million watch

US president Ronald Reagan introduces "Star Wars"-plan (SDI)

The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon is bombed in a terrorist attack which kills 63. In another attack in Lebanon, U.S Marine and French barracks explode, killing 248 Americans and 58 French citizens.

Cellular phones make their first U.S. appearance in Chicago.

Crack cocaine is developed. This highly addictive substance will have disastrous consequences for many American individuals and communities.

In agriculture, American farmers are subsidized with a PIK (payment-in-kind) program.

A new chapter opens in the history of toys as Cabbage Patch dolls become a fanatically sought item.

For 131 years the United States held America's Cup; this year, Australia II takes home the prestigious sailing trophy.

Fearing that Grenada may become a Communist outpost, President Reagan sends American troops to combat a recent coup by Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard. American allies disapprove of the move.

David Mamet's play Glengarry Glen Ross premieres in London. Mamet will receive the Pulitzer Prize for drama the following year.