Historical Events
- A Jewish owned hotel in Nairobi Kenya is bombed killing 18
- After being struck by an orange thrown from the crowd West Indian fast bowler Sylvester Clarke knocks out a spectator with a brick during 4th Test against Pakistan in Multan
Music Concert
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band's "The River Tour" concert at Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, New York) clocks in at almost 4 hours
- NY Islanders greatest shutout margin (9-0) vs Chicago Black Hawks
- Senegal president Leopold Senghor resigns
Famous Birthdays
- Matt Cross, American professional wrestler, born in Brecksville, Ohio
Richie McCaw (42 years old)
New Zealand rugby union flanker (148 Tests, 110 as captain All Blacks; 3 x IRB Player of the Year; Rugby World Cup 2011, 15; IRB HOF), born in Oamaru, New Zealand
Born in 1980
Famous Deaths
- Arthur Wellard, English cricket all-rounder (2 Tests, 7 wickets, BB 4/81; Somerset CCC), dies at 78
- Bob Shawkey, American baseball pitcher (World Series 1923, 27; AL ERA leader 1920, New York Yankees), dies at 90
Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980)
Canadian writer and 'prophet of the digital age' (the medium is the message), dies at 69
- Raoul Walsh, American director (High Sierra), dies at about 88
About December 31, 1980
Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 42 years, 2 months and 29 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Charts
#1 Song: (Just Like) Starting Over - John Lennon
#1 Song: There's No One Quite Like Grandma - St Winifred's School Choir
