What Happened This Year 1985
Historical Events from This Year 1985
Moimenta-Alcafache Train Disaster Overview
The Moimenta-Alcafache train crash occurred when a passenger train collided with a freight train near Moimenta-Alcafache, Portugal. The accident involved a serious miscommunication between stations and the train engineer, leading to a catastrophic collision that resulted in numerous casualties. The incident raised questions about railway safety procedures in Portugal.
Continue ReadingLaunch of Super Mario Bros. for NES
Super Mario Bros. was released in Japan for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), marking the beginning of a new era in video gaming with its innovative platforming gameplay. Developed by Shigeru Miyamoto and his team at Nintendo, the game introduced players to the vibrant Mushroom Kingdom, where they would control Mario, a plumber tasked with rescuing Princess Toadstool from the villain Bowser. The game's streamlined controls and design made it accessible to a wide audience, setting a standard for future platformers.
Continue ReadingPenang Bridge Opens, Connecting Island to Mainland
The Penang Bridge opened to traffic on September 14, 1985, providing a vital connection between Penang Island and the mainland of Malaysia. Spanning approximately 13.5 kilometers, it was the longest bridge in Southeast Asia at the time and significantly improved transportation and trade routes. The construction of the bridge began in 1982 and involved advanced engineering techniques, showcasing Malaysia's commitment to infrastructure development. The project was a major achievement for the Malaysian government in modernizing the country’s transport system and supporting economic growth.
Continue ReadingDevastating Earthquake Strikes Mexico City
A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 struck Mexico City, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the destruction of approximately 400 buildings. This catastrophic event occurred in the early morning hours and led to widespread chaos and destruction, highlighting the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure in seismically active regions.
Continue ReadingMusicians Testify Against Obscenity in Music
The Parents Music Resource Center, led by Tipper Gore, hosted congressional hearings where prominent musicians, including Frank Zappa and John Denver, testified against the censorship of rock music. The hearings were centered on concerns regarding explicit lyrics and the influence of music on youth. The event highlighted a growing cultural debate over artistic expression versus perceived moral decay in the music industry.
Continue ReadingLarnaca Yacht Killings Involve PLO Supporters
In Larnaca, three civilians were killed in a violent incident attributed to alleged supporters of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The attack occurred during a time of escalating tensions in the region, as the PLO was actively involved in various conflicts related to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Eyewitness accounts reported gunfire erupting at the marina, leading to the tragic deaths and igniting debates over security and responsibility in the chaotic landscape of geopolitical strife.
Continue ReadingIsrael Attacks PLO Headquarters in Tunisia
Israel conducted a military operation against the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) headquarters located in Tunis, Tunisia. This operation, dubbed Operation Wooden Leg, was a response to a Palestinian attack on Israeli citizens. The Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes targeting the PLO leadership, causing significant damage and casualties. The operation demonstrated Israel's willingness to extend its military reach beyond its borders in response to perceived threats from militant groups operating worldwide.
Continue ReadingMaiden Flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis
The Space Shuttle Atlantis embarked on its maiden flight, designated STS-51-J, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission marked a milestone in the Shuttle program, as it carried two Defense Satellite Communications System III (DSCS-III) satellites into orbit. Atlantis lifted off successfully, highlighting advancements in space technology and satellite communication. The launch was notable for its dual purpose of military and civilian satellite deployment, demonstrating the capabilities of the Shuttle.
Continue ReadingFounding of the Free Software Foundation
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) was established to advocate for the freedom to use, study, copy, and modify software. Founded by Richard Stallman in Boston, Massachusetts, FSF aimed to promote and protect the rights of computer users and developers. Stallman, motivated by his experiences with proprietary software, sought to create a community that valued software freedom. The FSF also launched the GNU Project, which produced free software alternatives to proprietary operating systems, emphasizing the importance of software sharing and collaboration in the burgeoning tech industry.
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