Born in 1981 - Zodiac Signs, Personality and Horoscopes

1981 Tropical Ephemeris

What happened in January 1981

• January 1, 1981: Greece's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) marked a significant step in European integration and strengthened economic ties among member states.
• January 6, 1981: Karl Doenitz's funeral in West Germany served as a reminder of the Nazi regime's impact on German history and the challenges of confronting its legacy.
• January 10, 1981: The FMLN's offensive in El Salvador marked an escalation of the civil war and highlighted the ongoing political and social tensions in the country.
• January 15, 1981: Pope John Paul II's meeting with Polish Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa symbolized the Church's support for the anti-communist movement in Poland.
• January 20, 1981: The release of American hostages held in Iran ended the Iran hostage crisis, easing tensions between the two countries and marking a turning point in US-Iran relations.
• January 21, 1981: The production of the DeLorean automobile, known for its unique design and stainless steel body, represented an innovative approach to car manufacturing.
• January 24, 1981: The earthquakes in China and Japan caused significant damage and loss of life, highlighting the vulnerability of these regions to seismic activity.
• January 25, 1981: The devastating flood in Laingsburg, South Africa, resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, emphasizing the need for improved flood management and infrastructure.
• January 27, 1981: The Tampomas II tragedy, in which a passenger ship caught fire and capsized in the Java Sea, highlighted the importance of safety regulations and emergency preparedness in maritime transportation.
• February 4, 1981: Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first female Prime Minister of Norway, took office, promoting gender equality and environmentalism.
• February 8, 1981: A stampede at Karaiskakis Stadium in Greece during a soccer match resulted in the deaths of 21 fans and injuries to 54, highlighting the need for improved safety measures at sporting events.
• February 9, 1981: General Wojciech Jaruzelski replaced Józef Pińkowski as Polish Prime Minister, initiating a period of martial law and political repression.
• February 14, 1981: The Stardust fire in Dublin, Ireland, claimed the lives of 48 people and injured 214, leading to stricter fire safety regulations in entertainment venues.
• February 17, 1981: Pope John Paul II's visit to the Philippines drew massive crowds and strengthened the Catholic faith in the country.
• February 23, 1981: The attempted coup d'état in Spain, known as "23-F", failed due to the intervention of King Juan Carlos, preserving the country's democratic transition.
• February 24, 1981: A powerful earthquake struck Athens, Greece, causing significant damage and loss of life, highlighting the need for earthquake preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
• March 1, 1981: Bobby Sands begins a hunger strike for political status, leading to the death of 10 Irish Republican Army hunger strikers.
• March 11, 1981: Augusto Pinochet is sworn in as President of Chile for another 8-year term, perpetuating his dictatorship.
• March 17, 1981: Discovery of Propaganda Due Masonic lodge in Italy, exposing a secret network with political and economic influence.
• March 19, 1981: Ground test of Space Shuttle Columbia results in fatalities and injuries, highlighting safety concerns.
• March 29, 1981: Inaugural London Marathon takes place, becoming an annual event with global participation.
• March 30, 1981: Attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, underscoring the vulnerability of political leaders and prompting security reassessments.
• April 4, 1981: Bucks Fizz's "Making Your Mind Up" wins the Eurovision Song Contest, showcasing the popularity of the British pop group.
• April 11, 1981: Brixton riot occurs in south London, highlighting racial tensions and social unrest, leading to widespread looting and clashes with police.
• April 12, 1981: Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-1 mission successfully launches and returns, marking a milestone in human spaceflight as the first crewed reusable spacecraft to return from orbit, paving the way for future space exploration.
• May 1, 1981: Pensions in Chile: The new Chilean pension system, based on private pension funds, begins. The system is a model for other countries in Latin America and has been credited with helping to reduce poverty and increase savings.
• May 4, 1981: The European Law Students' Association (ELSA) was founded in Vienna by law students from Austria, West Germany, Poland and Hungary. ELSA is a non-profit, non-political, independent organisation run by and for law students. It has a presence in over 43 countries and is one of the largest law student organisations in the world.
• May 6, 1981: A jury of architects and sculptors unanimously selects Maya Lin's design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., from among 1,421 other entries. The memorial was dedicated in 1982 and has become one of the most iconic and visited memorials in the United States.
• May 11, 1981: The Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley dies at age 36 from cancer. Marley is one of the most influential musicians of all time and his music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.
• May 13, 1981: Pope John Paul II assassination attempt: Pope John Paul II is shot by Mehmet Ali Ağca, a Turkish gunman, as he enters St. Peter's Square in Vatican City to address a general audience. The Pope recovers. The assassination attempt had a profound impact on John Paul II and his papacy.
• May 15, 1981: A prison officer, 31-year-old Donna Payant, disappears at Green Haven Correctional Facility in New York. She is later found to have been murdered by convicted serial killer Lemuel Smith. It is the first time a female prison officer has been killed while on duty in the United States. The murder of Donna Payant led to increased security measures at prisons across the United States.
• May 21, 1981: François Mitterrand becomes the first socialist President of the French Fifth Republic. Mitterrand's election was a watershed moment in French politics and marked the beginning of a new era of left-wing rule in France.
• May 22, 1981: Serial killer Peter Sutcliffe is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment on 13 counts of murder and 7 of attempted murder in England. Sutcliffe's crimes terrorized the north of England for five years and his capture and conviction brought a sense of relief to the communities he had targeted.
• May 25, 1981: In Riyadh, the Gulf Cooperation Council is created among Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The GCC is a political and economic union that has played a significant role in promoting stability and cooperation in the Gulf region.
• May 26, 1981: The Italian government resigns over its links to the fascist Masonic cell Propaganda Due. The Propaganda Due scandal was a major political scandal in Italy that led to the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the Propaganda Due lodge.
• May 30, 1981: Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman is assassinated in Chittagong. Rahman was a military dictator who had come to power in a coup in 1977. His assassination led to a period of political instability in Bangladesh.
• May 31, 1981: Burning of Jaffna library, one of the most violent examples of ethnic biblioclasm of the century. The burning of the Jaffna library was a deliberate act of cultural destruction that resulted in the loss of over 90,000 books and manuscripts. The library was a major center of Tamil culture and its destruction was a devastating blow to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
• June 5, 1981: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States report that 5 homosexual men in Los Angeles have a rare form of pneumonia seen only in patients with weakened immune systems, the first recognized cases of AIDS.
• June 6, 1981: Bihar train disaster: Seven coaches of an overcrowded passenger train fall off the tracks into the Bagmati River in Bihar, India, killing between 500 and 800.
• June 7, 1981: The Israeli Air Force destroys Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor, killing ten Iraqi troops and a French technician.
• June 10, 1981: Alfredo Rampi, a 6-year-old boy, falls into an artesian well in Vermicino, near Rome. After nearly three days of failed rescue attempts followed with bated breath from all over Italy, Alfredino dies inside the well, at a depth of 60 meters (200 ft).
• June 13, 1981: At the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London, teenager Marcus Sarjeant fires 6 blank shots close to Queen Elizabeth II, startling her horse.
• June 18, 1981: The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States is founded.
• June 22, 1981: Iranian president Abolhassan Banisadr is deposed.
• June 27, 1981: The first game of paintball is played, in Henniker, New Hampshire, United States.
• July 1, 1981: Wonderland murders: The Wonderland Gang of cocaine dealers brutally murdered in Los Angeles. Eddie Nash suspected but never convicted. Shed light on the dark underbelly of Los Angeles' drug trade and highlighted the dangers of involvement in illegal activities.
• July 3, 1981: Toxteth and Chapeltown riots: Riots in Liverpool and Leeds, England, sparked by racial tensions and police brutality. Led to increased scrutiny of police conduct and calls for reforms to address racial inequality.
• July 7, 1981: Sandra Day O'Connor nominated to Supreme Court: First woman nominated to the Supreme Court of the United States by President Ronald Reagan. Marked a significant milestone for gender equality in the judicial system.
• July 9, 1981: Donkey Kong release: First Donkey Kong and Mario smash hit arcade game developed by Nintendo in Japan. Revolutionized the video game industry and introduced iconic characters that continue to be popular today.
• July 10, 1981: Mahathir bin Mohamad becomes Prime Minister of Malaysia: Mahathir bin Mohamad became the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia. His tenure was marked by economic growth and political stability, shaping Malaysia's modern history.
• July 16, 1981: England wins cricket Test match after follow-on: England became the first team this century to win a cricket Test match after the follow-on, defeating Australia at Headingley. Demonstrated England's resilience and skill in the sport.
• July 17, 1981: Hyatt Regency walkway collapse: Two skywalks filled with people collapsed into a crowded atrium lobby at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, killing 114. Led to stricter building codes and safety regulations for public spaces.
• July 19, 1981: 1981 Springbok Tour: The controversial rugby tour of New Zealand by the South African Springboks amid protests against apartheid. Sparked international debate on sports and politics, leading to increased pressure on South Africa to end apartheid.
• July 21, 1981: Birth of Panda Tohui: Panda Tohui, the first panda to ever be born and survive in captivity outside of China, was born at Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City. Symbolized international cooperation in conservation efforts and raised awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species.
• July 29, 1981: Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer: The highly publicized wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral in London. Captured the world's attention and became a cultural phenomenon, shaping the public image of the British monarchy.
• July 30, 1981: 1981 Polish hunger demonstrations: Approximately 50,000 demonstrators, mostly women and children, protest food ration shortages in Communist Poland.
• August 1, 1981: MTV, the first 24-hour video music channel, launched in the United States with "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles as its first video. It revolutionized music promotion and shaped popular culture.
• August 9, 1981: The Major League Baseball strike in the United States ended, and the season resumed with the All-Star Game in Cleveland. The strike highlighted labor issues and the importance of collective bargaining in professional sports.
• August 12, 1981: The original IBM PC Model 5150, powered by a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 processor, was released in the United States. It marked a significant milestone in personal computing and laid the foundation for the modern PC industry.
• August 19, 1981: Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi ordered two Sukhoi Su-22 fighter jets to intercept two U.S. Navy fighters over the Gulf of Sidra. The U.S. jets destroyed the Libyan aircraft, escalating tensions between the two countries.
• August 23, 1981: South African troops launched Operation Protea, attacking SWAPO bases in Xangongo and Ongiva, Angola. This military operation was part of the ongoing conflict between South Africa and SWAPO, a Namibian liberation movement.
• August 24, 1981: Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to murdering John Lennon, a legendary musician, in Manhattan eight months earlier. This tragic event shocked the world and highlighted the need for gun control.
• August 27, 1981: North Korea fired a surface-to-air missile at a U.S. SR-71 Blackbird spy plane flying in South Korean and international airspace. The missile missed, and the airplane remained unharmed. This incident underscored the ongoing tensions between North Korea and the United States.
• August 30, 1981: A briefcase bomb planted by the People's Mujahedin of Iran exploded in the Iranian Prime Minister's office, killing eight people, including the country's president and prime minister. This terrorist attack destabilized the Iranian government and contributed to the ongoing political unrest.
• August 31, 1981: A bomb exploded at the United States Ramstein Air Base in West Germany, injuring 20 people. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of U.S. military installations in Europe and the need for enhanced security measures.
• September 1, 1981: Little Miss Bossy, the first book in the Little Miss series, was published.
• September 4, 1981: An explosion at a mine in Záluží, Czechoslovakia, killed 65 people.
• September 7, 1981: British plantation company Guthrie was taken over by the Malaysian government after a successful share purchase.
• September 10, 1981: Picasso's painting Guernica was moved from New York to Madrid.
• September 15, 1981: Our Lady of Akita in Japan cried for the last time on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.
• September 17, 1981: Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes to win his first World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship in Kansas City.
• September 18, 1981: France's National Assembly voted to abolish capital punishment in France.
• September 19, 1981: Solidarity Day march in support of organized labor drew approximately 250,000 people in Washington, D.C.
• September 20, 1981: The overcrowded ferry boat Sobral Santos II capsized in the Amazon River, killing at least 300 people.
• September 21, 1981: Belize, formerly British Honduras, gained its independence from the United Kingdom.
• September 22, 1981: A Northrop F-5 crashed during a military exercise in Babaeski, Turkey, killing 1 crew member and 65 soldiers on the ground.
• September 25, 1981: Sandra Day O'Connor became the first female justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
• September 27, 1981: TGV high-speed rail service between Paris and Lyon, France, began.
• October 5, 1981: Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust, is posthumously awarded honorary U.S. citizenship for his heroic actions.
• October 10, 1981: The Ministry of Education of Japan publishes the jōyō kanji, a list of 1,945 kanji characters that are considered essential for daily use in Japanese.
• October 14, 1981: Hosni Mubarak, Vice President of Egypt, is elected President following the assassination of Anwar Sadat. His election marks a period of stability and economic growth in Egypt.
• October 16, 1981: A series of gas explosions occur at a coal mine in Hokutan, Japan, resulting in the deaths of 93 people. This incident highlights the need for improved safety measures in mining operations.
• October 21, 1981: Andreas Papandreou, leader of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, is elected Prime Minister of Greece. His election signals a shift towards a more left-wing government and a focus on social and economic reforms.
• October 22, 1981: The founding congress of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Organization, a communist party led by Hareram Sharma and D. P. Singh, takes place. This event marks the beginning of a significant political movement in Nepal.
• October 27, 1981: A Soviet submarine, S-363, runs aground near the Karlskrona military base in Sweden. This incident leads to a diplomatic crisis between the two countries and raises concerns about the potential for escalation.
• November 1, 1981: Antigua and Barbuda, previously a colony of the United Kingdom, gained independence, becoming a sovereign state.
• November 9, 1981: Slavery was abolished in Mauritania by Edict No. 81-234, ending the practice of chattel slavery in the country.
• November 12, 1981: The Church of England General Synod voted to allow women to be ordained as priests, marking a significant change in the church's policy.
• November 22, 1981: In the Canadian Football League's 69th Grey Cup, the Edmonton Eskimos won their fourth consecutive championship, defeating the Ottawa Rough Riders with a score of 26-23 in the final three seconds.
• November 23, 1981: U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed National Security Decision Directive 17 (NSDD-17), authorizing the Central Intelligence Agency to recruit and support Contra rebels in Nicaragua, leading to the Iran-Contra affair.
• November 25, 1981: A group of mercenaries led by Mike Hoare attempted a coup d'état in Seychelles, taking over Mahe airport before escaping by commandeering an Air India passenger jet; six mercenaries were later arrested.
• December 1, 1981: An Inex-Adria Aviopromet McDonnell Douglas MD-80 crashed in Corsica, killing 180 people. It highlighted the need for improved safety measures in aviation.
• December 4, 1981: South Africa granted independence to Ciskei, a move that was not recognized internationally. It reflected the complex political situation in South Africa during apartheid.
• December 7, 1981: Rotary International chartered the Rotary Club of Grand Baie, Mauritius. This marked the expansion of Rotary's global network, promoting service and community development.
• December 8, 1981: The No. 21 Mine explosion in Whitwell, Tennessee, killed 13 miners. It brought attention to the importance of mine safety and regulations.
• December 10, 1981: Spain signed the Protocol of Accession to NATO during the Ministerial Session in Brussels. This marked a significant step in Spain's integration into the Western alliance.
• December 11, 1981: Muhammad Ali lost his last fight against Trevor Berbick, marking the end of his legendary boxing career. It symbolized a changing era in the sport.
• December 13, 1981: Wojciech Jaruzelski declared martial law in Poland to prevent the dismantling of the communist system by Solidarity. This marked a crackdown on political dissent and labor rights.
• December 15, 1981: An Islamic Dawa Party car bomb destroyed the Iraqi Embassy in Lebanon, killing 61 people. It highlighted the rising tensions in the region and the use of suicide attacks.
• December 17, 1981: American Brigadier General James L. Dozier was kidnapped in Verona by the Italian Red Brigades. This incident showcased the ongoing threat of terrorism and the vulnerability of high-profile individuals.
• December 20, 1981: The Penlee lifeboat disaster occurred during a rescue attempt off the coast of Cornwall, resulting in the loss of the lifeboat and all crew members. It emphasized the dangers faced by emergency responders.
• December 28, 1981: The first American test-tube baby, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, was born in Virginia. This marked a significant advancement in reproductive technology and sparked ethical discussions.
• December 31, 1981: A coup d'état in Ghana removed President Hilla Limann's government and replaced it with the PNDC led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings. This marked a change in political leadership and highlighted the instability in the region.