1982 Michael Jackson’s Thriller Album Released

Pop singer Michael Jackson in a still from the video for his hit single 'Thriller' which was released, Los Angeles, California, Dec. 2, 1983. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller album was released on Nov. 30, 1982.  Thriller includes Jackson’s hit singles “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “The Girl Is Mine,” and “Beat It.”  The epic zombie dance music video for “Thriller” did not debut until the following year on Dec. 2, 1983.  Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, with over 100 million copies sold worldwide since the 1982 release.

1993 Bill Clinton Signs Brady Bill

President Clinton signed a new law requiring a background check on anyone trying to purchase a handgun.  James Brady, whom the law is named after, served as President Reagan’s press secretary.  Brady was shot by John Hinckley Jr. in an assassination attempt on the president in 1981.  The head wound from the gunshot left Brady partially paralyzed.  A background check on Hinckley would have surfaced his criminal and mental health history.

1999 Anti-Globalization Protests

Thousands of protestors disrupted the opening of a WTO conference in Seattle.  They expressed opposition to increased global trade and outsourcing of American jobs.  Police fired pepper spray pellets on the protestors in attempts to break up the demonstrations.

2004 Ken Jennings’ “Jeopardy!” Winning Streak Ends

Ken Jennings, a software engineer from Utah, set a record with his 74 consecutive game winning streak on “Jeopardy!”   Jennings won over $2.5 million during his game show run.

Famous Birthdays

1835 Mark Twain

1874 Winston Churchill

1929 Dick Clark

1937 Ridley Scott

1943 Terrence Malick

1947 David Mamet

1955 Billy Idol

1959 Cherie Currie

1962 Bo Jackson

1965 Ben Stiller

1969 Amy Ryan

1978 Clay Aiken

1982 Elisha Cuthbert

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