Dateline: 1981

Charles and Diana Wed July 29Charles Prince of Wales, heir to the throne of Elizabeth II, married Lady Diana Spencer in a spectacular and lavish ceremony witnessed by thousands in the United Kingdom and millions around the world.	President Reagan Shot March 30Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Washington Hilton by John David Hinckley, a man who felt possessed to attempt the assasination to impress the actress Jodie Foster. Reagan, of course, survived.	First Shuttle Liftoff April 12The shuttle Columbia ascended from its launch pad at Kennedy Space Center this day, and later landing at Edwards AFB in California, ushered in the era of the reusable space vehicle.

Hostages Released January 25Ayatollah Khomeini purposefully waited until Jimmy Carter was succeeded in office by Ronald Reagan to release the 52 hostages taken by Iran and held 444 days in captivity.	"Raiders" Top Movie June 12Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford, "Raiders Of The Lost Ark", the first of the Indiana Jones trilogy would go on to gross $242 million, becoming the year's top film, and #18 all-time.	Oakland Super Bowl Champs January 30The Oakland Raiders triumphed 27-10 over the Philadelphia Eagles to become the first wild-card team to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Later in the year owner Al Davis would file suit to have the team moved to Los Angeles.

2/9: Bill Haley, 50's rocker dies

4/12: Joe Louis, legendary boxing great, dies

5/11: Death of Bob Marley, Reggae guitarist

5/14: Pope John Paul II shot in Peter's Square; he would survive

9/24: Kim Carnes releases "Bette Davis Eyes", the year's top American pop single

9/25 Sandra Day O'Connor appointed as first female Supreme Court justice

10/6: Egyptian president Anwar Sadat assasinated

10/26: John McEnroe defeats Bjorn Borg at Wimbeldon

11/28: Actress Natalie Wood dies