Did you know that on this day in 1983, the local police department's security measures were tightened amid rising crime rates, which would lead to increased community engagement with law enforcement in subsequent years?

The decision by the city police to enhance security may have led to a more proactive approach to community policing, fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents. This shift towards community engagement would influence policing strategies nationwide, encouraging a model that prioritized public cooperation and transparency.

In December 1983, American politics were heavily focused on national security and economic policy. The Reagan administration was advocating for increased military spending to counter perceived threats from the Soviet Union, reflecting a conservative approach to governance that prioritized defense and economic growth. This era was also characterized by a push for traditional values and limited government intervention in personal lives, resonating with many American voters.

Inventions & Breakthroughs of December 1983

Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.

Learn More

Cellular Telephone Commercial Launch

Learn More

Domain Name System (DNS)

Learn More

Personal Computer Mouse

Learn More

Compact Disc-ROM

Learn More

Artificial Intelligence Expert Systems

Learn More

Global Positioning System Deployment

Learn More

Portable CD Player (Discman)

Learn More

Medical Laser Eye Surgery

Learn More

Computer-Aided Drug Design

Learn More

Electronic Trading Systems

The Sounds of

Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year

HEADLINES ON December 15, 1983

Full News Archive

Headline: Enhanced Security Measures at Police Buildings. Impact: If they hadn't tightened security, the next headline would have been 'City Police Department Loses Headquarters to Bizarre UFO Abduction'. Luckily, they opted for metal detectors instead.. Fact: Did you know that tightening security often means adding more coffee breaks for the security staff? Because, you know, keeping us safe is exhausting work!.
Headline: Winter Care for House Plants. Impact: The advice given here about house plants inspired a generation of people to take their plants on vacation, leading to an accidental plant-napping syndicate.. Fact: Did you know that house plants have more vacation photos than you do? They’re living their best lives while you’re stuck in the office!.
Headline: HERS. Impact: This tranquil woods experience led to a spike in social media influencers claiming they 'found themselves' in nature. Spoiler alert: they didn't.. Fact: Did you know that the woods are a great place to lose your phone signal? It's nature's way of saying, 'Put down the screen and enjoy the scenery!'.
Headline: YEW, ENDURING WOOD, RETURNS TO POPULARITY. Impact: The resurgence of yew wood led to a surprising spike in the popularity of gothic-style furniture, giving rise to a trend known as 'Coffin Chic' in interior design.. Fact: Did you know that yew trees are often found in graveyards? Talk about a 'tree-mendous' way to keep your decor eternally stylish!.
Headline: CRAFTSMEN IN WOOD AND WOVEN GLASS. Impact: The Elements Gallery's expansion opened the floodgates for avant-garde art, leading to a period where literally anything could be considered art—even a banana duct-taped to a wall.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'I could do that' was invented by art critics? They just didn't realize how much work it actually takes!.