The Eighties Online

When you look back at the last four to five decades the 80's seem to stand out. Throwing a 80's party is one of the best ways to relive the 80's.

The time period provides to some of the best 80s costumes. The 80’s were when times were simple, and big hair was in. It was the decade that dared to wear Day-Glo wardrobes, and danced to Flashdance and Footloose.

This was a decade driven by music such as Madonna, Wham and Prince. The decade that brought the first wave of Glam metal (big hair bands) into the mainstream with bands like: Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, and Quiet Riot. When movies like Top Gun, An Officer and a Gentleman, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Breakfast Club and Say Anything became every teen's rite of passage.

So much happened during the 80's, that it makes throwing different types of 80 costumes theme parties very easy. A popular 80's theme is a Madonna or Prince party. Both of these icons had so many different looks, that it will give your guest with plenty to choose from.

The 80s was one of the most remarkable decades ever as far as fashion was concerned. 80s fashion involved not only clothing, but also accessories, hair and makeup. For women, the hair was as important as the outfit.

One of the hairstyles that women coveted in the 80s was called "big hair" or "skyhigh hair." This involved teasing your entire head of hair so that it became about three times its actual size, but the biggest part of your hair was definitely the bangs.

You were to curl them, tease them, and then cover them with enough hairspray that when flattened, they would spring back to attention immediately. Some would say that the Aqua net used to hold this hair in place is a big reason our ozone layer is in trouble.

Another 80s fashion look for hair was the side ponytail. Mallrats and celebrities made this hairstyle popular and what made it even better was not only if you had your hair in the side ponytail, but if you added extra fun to it by crimping it (making it look wavy) or by adding the huge bangs along with the side ponytail. Pop icons like Debbie Gibson and Tiffany wore their hair this way which made it popular among all women in the 80s.

Another star of one of our favorite 80s sitcoms died earlier today. Estelle Getty passed away last year. Both were loved stars of the 80s comedy, The Golden Girls.

We will miss them both very much, but thankfully both women left us a wonderful show to watch over and over again.

Sorry, but we could not find any full episodes of The Golden Girls, Maude, or even All in the Family. That just goes to what classic TV shows they are.

Meet the Golden Girls in Lifetime's Golden Girls Special (June 2003).

"Adams College has the best computer department in the country."

These guys would have become the Bill Gates or Steve jobs of our day. Maybe they would get the girl. They'd have the money and the power.

Stair-diving?

"Times are changing Betty. These nerds are a threat to our way of life."

College freshmen Skolnick and Gilbert form their own fraternity for computer-whiz misfits. In this college campus comedy, a group of nerds must overcome the scornful attitudes and derisive pranks of the football and fraternity groups.

Cast -

Curtis Armstrong

Timothy Busfield

Robert Carradine

Bernie Casey

Andrew Cassese

Anthony Edwards

Larry B. Scott

Julie Montgomery

Matt Salinger

Ted McGinley

Michelle Meyrink

John Goodman

This video personifies the 80's. Look at the hair, listen to the music, and behold all that is the ultimate 80's nightmare. Edit: I have no idea what it means to "table" the label, but make sure ...

Mr T is so gay in this video!

The last week of Conan O'Brien on the Late Night with Conan O'Brien has been a must watch week of television.

On Wednesday February 11th, 2009 Conan O'Brien picks apples with Mr. T. Mr. T talks about the A-Team.

Funny Stuff! Picking apples and carving pumpkins and singin' with an 80s Icon.

Thanks NBC and Hulu!

As graduation approached in the spring of 1983, I began to plan, well hope is more like it, that I could attend the US Festival in Southern California.

This was four days of live music and entertainment from all those acts we saw on MTV (back when they used to play music videos).

There were very few artists who did not play at The US Festival.

From Van Halen to the Scorpions, to The Clash and Missing Persons, there were more than 100 bands and musicians at The US Festival.

Well, I did not get to go, and would love to hear some stories for anyone who did.

Is this available on DVD? If it is I would sure buy it for my collection.

Here are a few highlights from 1983's US Festival in San Bernadino, California.

Maybe there will be a resurgence of the kind of music festivals of the past, like LiveAid and The US Festival. One can only hope!

Thank You Seth McFarland!

In 21st Century Speak, Peter Griffin lingo

This is Frickin' Sweet!

Just about every episode of Family Guy makes fun of the 80s.

This one is not only no exception, but from the Bryan Adams Rip-Off, and the Men Without Hats dance at the party, to the appearance by Megatron from The Transformers, this one is fully funny and an excellent example of what makes the 80s such good material for comedy!

Video made available courtesy of Fox Television (another product of the 80s) and Hulu.