Do you remember the good old days?

By Leann Ray
Poca High School

Big hair.

Squealing music.

Lots and lots of Spandex.

Guess that decade.

If you guessed the ’80s, then you’re correct.

The decade of the ’80s was such a great time. First of all, I was born, and isn’t that enough? That’s sarcasm, folks. I’m not really like that, I promise.

Let’s get back to the point: Many great cartoons were around in the ’80s, including “My Little Ponies,” “Jem and the Holograms,” “Care Bears” and “Fraggle Rock.” And do you remember the Saturday morning TV shows?
“Pee-wee’s Playhouse” was a personal favorite of mine.

Remember “Garfield and Friends?” “Punky Brewster?” “Teen-age Mutant Ninja Turtles?” (Heroes in a half shell — turtle power!)

There were other great shows, too, like “Alf,” about a big furry alien who liked to eat cats. Now you can see it on TV Land. In fact, several networks are now airing syndicated shows from the ’80s.

Now, let’s look at the trends. The ’80s are coming back. You probably don’t believe it, but trust me, they are. People may not be wearing Spandex left and right any more, but some of the better styles are back. For example, you can thank the ’80s for big hoop earrings and huge sunglasses. Places such as Gadzooks and Hot Topic have tons of shirts devoted to rock stars of the ’80s: Billy Idol, Flock of Seagulls, Blondie, Cyndi Lauper, Boy George, Devo ... the list goes on and on.

Are you tired of the new, not-so-great music that is around today? Try listening to some great ’80s bands. Devo is awesome, and you can’t go wrong with Duran Duran.

Try hair bands on for size, too. Motley Crue is a good one. Those guys had huge hair, makeup and catchy songs such as “Shout at the Devil.”

Some ’80s bands are still rockin’ as hard as ever — the Beastie Boys, U2 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, just to name a few. If this doesn’t make you hungry like the wolf for more of the happenin’ trends of the ’80s, then just go back to parachute pants and grunge music. That was sooooooooo ’90s.

Now, here are some trivia questions for those of you who call yourselves true ’80s fans:

1. Who sang the theme song on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse?”

2. Who was the lead singer of a band called The Breakfast Club in 1982?

3. What was Sting’s profession before he hit it big with The Police?

4. In “Dirty Dancing,” what was Baby’s real name?

5. What does Ally Sheedy (the basket case) use to decorate her artwork in “The Breakfast Club?”

Answers: 1) Cyndi Lauper; 2) Madonna; 3) teacher; 4) Frances; 5) dandruff.