Are The Cars the best band from Massachusetts?

You tell us: Are The Cars the best musical act from Massachusetts? They've got a ton of great hits that don't get nearly enough radio play today, and they're credited with helping rock transition from the guitar-based sounds of the 70s to the new wave keyboard sound of the 80s. And Ric Ocasek surely has the hottest wife of any Bostonian in modern history.

But the best band from Massachusetts? Compare them with Aerosmith, Boston, J. Geils Band, The Modern Lovers and The Pixies.

It all depends on your personal tastes, but I'm thinking The Cars are at or near the top of the list.

What to hear more about the band? The Stuck in the 80s podcast this week focuses on The Cars. The episode is now online. Click here to download it. Or click here to subscribe to all our shows for free on iTunes.

Some show highlights:
-- Co-host Cathy tries to explain how one of the world's ugliest men was able to marry Paulina Porizkova.
-- Another embarrassing story about puberty from Times pop music critic Sean Daly, this time to the tune of "Magic."
-- Steve still can't let go of an evil ex-girlfriend from college (and the fact that she stole his Cars tickets.) But he manages to transition into a story about strippers in Key West.
-- Try to stomach the background sound of our digestive systems tackling a bucket of Skittles during the show.

You'd never believe: Utah stuck in the 80s too

Just a short item today to keep my streak intact...

Just returned from 4 days and 3 nights in metropolitan Provo, Utah, and I gotta admit it: That state is still grooving to the 80s. Multiple 80s radio stations, plenty of shows by 80s performers (even Poison got a good write-up in Wednesday's Salt Lake City Tribune), and even the restaurants and bowling alleys (don't ask) featured our favorite tunes.

The 4-hour flight from Tampa to Salt Lake is brutal though. My undying gratitude to Steve Jobs for inventing the iPod, which enabled me to avoid listening to the guy in the seat next to me, who was intent on teaching me everything he knew about flipping real estate.

Top 5 songs to listen to while flying across country:
5. Rock N' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution (AC/DC): Drowns out pesky passengers and the droning of a 737's engines.
4. Beach Party Vietnam (Dead Milkmen): Don't ask why, but this song appeared consistently every time I clicked the shuffle feature.
3. I Can't Dance (Genesis): Not my favorite song, but for cruising the streets in a rented Dodge Stratus, it was the anthem of choice. (Insert your favorite "Dancing is prohibited here" joke as well.)
2. Just Another Day (Oingo Boingo): I felt guilty for leaving this song out of our Boingo podcast, so I overcompensated on this trip.
1. Highway to Hell (AC/DC): I figure this is probably the anthem for anyone who heads to Utah with a headful of Mormon jokes only to find out the place is not so bad after all.

Ideal boyfriend: Jake Ryan or Lloyd Dobbler?

It's the heavyweight title fight of the decade -- only the decade was 20 years ago. Two characters that evenly divide legions of American females who grew up dreaming that one or the other was their perfect boyfriend. But who really wins out if we force the ladies to choose?

In this corner, from the mighty city of Seattle, Washington, wearing a trench coat and Phish t-shirt .... Lloyd Dobbler! And in this corner, from fictional Shermer, Illinois, wearing a sweater vest and hiking boots ... Jake Ryan!

Let's go to the stats:

Movies:
Lloyd: Say Anything (1989) features sensitive Lloyd, directed by the soon-to-be famous Cameron Crowe. It would be Cusack's last teen movie.
Jake: Sixteen Candles (1984) offers Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), who can score any chick in Shermer High. Directed by the ultimate 80s director, John Hughes. Schoeffling had only one big movie left in him after this -- Vision Quest. (Sadly, no one considers his "Kuch" character as the ideal boyfriend.)
Advantage: Even


Significant other:
Lloyd: Completely devoted to Diane Court, played by Ione Sky -- easily the sexiest female character of the 80s. Any decade really.
Jake: Ditches the prom queen for Samantha Baker, played by Molly Ringwald, who hasn't quite reached her prime at this point.
Advantage: Lloyd

Fashion:
Lloyd: T-shirts, baggy Army pants and a trench coat. Perfect for a night out with the guys at the Gas N' Sip. But a fixer-upper project for potential girlfriends.
Jake: There's a reason Schoeffling was a male model before and after this movie -- he looks good in anything. But sticking to preppy outfits is a smart move.
Advantage: Jake

Signature line:
Lloyd: "Maybe I didn't really know you. Maybe you were just a mirage. Maybe the world is full of food and sex and spectacle and we're all just hurling towards an apocalypse, in which case it's not your fault."
Jake: "Happy Birthday, Samantha. Make a wish."
Advantage: Even again -- it just depends on whether you like your men talky or not.

So there you go. There's no clear winner when you stack them up against each other. So, ladies, you're going to have to go with your heart.

Pick a winner and tell us why: Is it Jake or Lloyd that wins your love as perfect boyfriend?

Boy George, Axl Rose in trouble again

PROVO, Utah -- The state of Utah is holding elections today, as I continue my visit to the land of mountains and Mormons, so on this day state law mandates no drinking of alcohol! (Bars, already restricted to members only, can't open until the polls close.) Two hooligans from the 80s (three if you include me) who could never survive Election Day in Utah just made the news again: Boy George and Axl Rose.

Boy George (click for podcast) was threatened with a spell in prison on Monday if he didn't complete his community service requirement stemming from falsely reporting a burglary (thus avoiding drug possession charges.) According to reports, Boy doesn't want to rake leaves in a New York city park -- it's too humiliating. (Pausing for obligatory laugh.) Personally, I'm hoping he blows off the leaves. It never gets old blogging about George. I'm already working on a list of "Top 5 things Boy George needs to avoid saying while incarcerated."

Meanwhile, Axl Rose  (click for podcast) was arrested in Stockholm, Sweden, earlier today for damaging a hotel room and roughing up a security guard. (I'm not sure that's even a crime anymore back in the States). Media reports from overseas say the Guns N' Roses botox boy was too drunk to answer questions so he's passing the hours in a cell until he's sober enough to straighten things out. A little hair of the dog, Axl. That'll do the trick.

Is it just me or have these two 80s celebs erased whatever accomplishments they had with their ongoing criminal behavior?

Why Adam Sandler is the Man of the 80s

Let's face it: You either love Adam Sandler or you don't. Here's my argument ... if you don't love Sandler, you don't love the 80s. Because Sandler is the King of the 80s.

Every one of his movies is neck-deep in classic 80s tunes (Styx, The Cars, Lionel Ritchie, Kansas, Rush). And he starred in the best non-80s movie about the 80s: The Wedding Singer. So good, I own it on video and DVD. (And for some reason, watch it on both formats still.) So good that my love of the soundtrack led indirectly to the end of one relationship back in the heartless 90s. (Long story there. Suffice to say, she didn't enjoy me singing "Video Killed the Radio Star" at 2 a.m. at home one night with my work buddies during the final credit role of the movie.)

Sandler's latest flick -- "Click" -- just cleaned up at the box office this weekend. Me? Yeah, I saw the very first local showing of it on Friday at noon. I nearly jumped out of my seat when I heard The Cars' "Magic" playing under the opening credits. (Wait until you hear next week's Stuck in the 80s podcast about The Cars and hear Sean Daly's childhood memory of the song. Very stimulating.) Movie critics around the country are less than enthusiastic about the film's merit, but I loved it. Will you enjoy it? Consider Kurt Loder's review on MTV.com: "The pleasure of the movie is in watching it work out pretty much the way you'd hope it would."

Loder, you big stud. I wish I could write reviews like that.

I'm sticking to lists. Top 5 Adam Sandler movies:
5. Mr. Deeds: "Yeah I bet you know what it's like to get all riled up, Johnny Mac."
4. Billy Madison: "Sometimes I feel like an idiot. But I am an idiot, so it kinda works out."
3. Click: "Your father's stereo blows?"
2. Happy Gilmore: "You're gonna die, clown."
1. The Wedding Singer: "Now let's cut the stupid cake because I know the fat guy's gonna have a heart attack if we don't eat again soon."

If Fletch can go to Provo, I can too

And so off I go this week to Utah for a short work commitment. Provo is one of the sites, of course, of Chevy Chase's adventures in the movie Fletch, easily one of the top 10 comedies of the 80s. I don't expect the town to be nearly as entertaining as the movie.

(Provo is also the site of one of the biggest injustices in college football history: It's the home of Brigham Young University, which "won" the national title back in 1984. Why the scorn? Don't get me started. Suffice to say they didn't beat anyone worth two hoots that season.)

As we continue to compile reader suggestions for our Best Comedies of the 80s list, let me give you my argument that Fletch deserves a spot near the top.

1. It's Chevy Chase's best movie, amid tough competition: Caddyshack, Vacation, Three Amigos, Spies Like Us (well, not so much those last two.)

2. Like so many great movies, it has a horribly disappointing sequel (1989's Fletch Lives).

3. Thanks to a subdued supporting cast, our man Chevy is forced to carry the movie solely on his shoulders -- something he rarely gets to do ... and that's a shame.

4. It probably has more great quotes per minute than about any other top-shelf 80s comedy (possible exception: Caddyshack, which benefits largely from Chase's quotes too.) You want a list, don't you? Don't beg.

Top 5 quotes from Fletch:
5. "Those are three names I enjoy; Marvin, Velma, and Provo."
4. "Does this proposition entail my dressing up as Little Bo Peep?"
3. "Can I borrow your towel for a sec? My car just hit a water buffalo. "
2. Hey! It's all ball bearings nowadays. Now you prepare that Fetzer valve with some 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads.
1. "You using the whole fist, Doc?"

I know I'm missing some great quotes. Fill in the blanks if you must.

80s TV icon Aaron Spelling dies

The man who christened the Love Boat, enchanted Fantasy Island, re-deputized Capt. Kirk as T.J. Hooker and popularized ZIP codes in Beverly Hills 90210 has gone on to the great TV variety show in the sky.

Legendary TV producer Aaron Spelling died Friday in Los Angeles, a few weeks after suffering a stroke. With more than 140 TV movies and a slew of television series, Mr. Spelling is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most prolific television drama producer of all time.

Though not always high art, many of his creations offered signature roles for dozens of actors and redefined the way Americans were entertained by their TV sets. A few more of his shows from the 80s era include: Vega$ (starring Robert Urich), Hart to Hart (Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers), Dynasty (Linda Evans, Joan Collins, John Forsythe), Hotel (Connie Selleca). Other milestone series include: Starsky & Hutch (1975-1979) and Melrose Place (1992-1999).

Here are a few of our favorite Aaron Spelling productions:
-- Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976): Based on a true story, John Travolta plays a boy who must live in a sterile environment to protect his fragile immune system. Everyone who grew up in the early 80s remembers the film, but who remembers how it ends? (Leave us a comment and prove your trivia acumen.)
-- Mr. Mom (1983): Spelling was executive producer of big-screen flick, starring Michael Keaton (in his follow-up role in Night Shift). Signature line: "Yeah. 220... 221, whatever it takes."
-- Satisfaction (1988): Under no circumstances is this a classic, but I can't resist dropping in the only starring role in the film career of Justine Bateman. (Hey, she once dated Leif Garrett!) The world, however, continues to celebrate the genius of her younger brother, Jason Bateman. (But not for Teen Wolf Too.)

The story goes that after ABC axed "Dynasty" in 1989, Mr. Spelling realized he was without a show for the first time in nearly 30 years. "I was so depressed, I would have quit," he wrote in his autobiography. "But I like TV too much."

Boingo comes alive

The Stuck in the 80s podcast show on Oingo Boingo is now online. Click here to download it or click here to subscribe to the podcast for free on iTunes.

In this show, savor the highlights as:
-- Times pop music critic Sean Daly discovers his inner-Boingo.
-- Host Steve begins a slow and painful meltdown when forced to discuss an Oingo-inspired college romance that goes painfully sour.
-- Co-host Cathy is forced to reveal her love affair at Orange Julius.

Remember, it's never too late to order the official "Bring Back Boingo" t-shirts.

In the meantime, enjoy this Boingo Budweiser commercial from 1984:

One 80s reunion we can live without

One of these unlikely 80s reunions could actually come true soon. Can you figure out which one?

-- Top Gun 2: The Goose is Loose, in which Anthony Edwards returns to play Tom Cruise's friend and copilot, now guiding Maverick from the hereafter in Obi Wan Kenobi fashion.

-- Steve Martin, Martin Short and Chevy Chase reprise their roles as the Three Amigos. This time, they're sent to raise morale of U.S. troops in the Middle East by a besieged American president stuck in a conflict that's going so badly that it could only be the product of Hollywood ... right?

-- Corey Feldman and Corey Haim -- years after "Lost Boys," "License to Drive" and "Dream a Little Dream" -- are pairing up again for a television comedy series simply called ... The Coreys.

Yeah, unfortunately, it's the last one that's true. The Daily Variety reported this week that the project -- from the creators of the think-piece series "Wife Swap" -- would feature the mischievous actors as fictional versions of themselves -- same names and everything -- "presumably because it would be funnier and less sad that way," Variety said. (Amen, brother.)

Are there worse possible 80s reunions out there? Sure, you bet!

Top 5 worst possible reunions of 80s icons:
5. The cast of St. Elmo's Fire (Come to think it -- let's avoid getting the writers together again too.)
4. John Travolta and Kirstie Alley: "Look Who's Talking About Scientology Now"
3. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey: Unless it's for "Dirty Dancing: Vegas Nights"
2. New Kids on the Block: Along with Anna Nicole Smith, they're possibly the only living example that Darwin's theory of evolution is wrong.
1. Madonna and (Sean Penn, Warren Beatty, Dennis Rodman, etc., etc.)

(If anyone adds a Corey movie to our growing "funniest movies of the 80s" list, we're sending Crispin Glover over to your house for dinner.)

Raising Arizona: Classic or overrated?

Now that we're compiling our list of Best Comedies of the 80s, the first real issue has been tossed into the murky soup: Is Raising Arizona worthy of the honor?

Confession: I'm not a fan of the 1987 flick starring Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter. And I can't put a finger on why. I like Nic Cage. I like Holly Hunter. And I like other movies by the Coen brothers.

Here's my theory:

-- In '87, I was in college and probably still enjoying John Hughes' teen movies a little too much for my age. ("Some Kind of Wonderful" came out that year. Classic.)

-- I really don't like any movie that features southern accents. (Do they have southern accents in Arizona?) Growing up in Florida (which I maintain is NOT part of the South), I bristle at the twang so largely identified with this part of the world. (Side theory: Are all movies with southern accents also "chick flicks?" ... Fried Green Tomatoes ... Steel Magnolias. Think about it.)

-- Nic Cage makes one good movie for every 10 bad ones. I count on one hand the movies with him that I enjoy (Valley Girl, Leaving Las Vegas, Moonstruck, City of Angels, Racing with the Moon). So the odds were against him already.

-- Not a huge fan of prison movies either. Except Shawshank Redemption. ("Get busy living, or get busy dying." )

I know, I know. Stupid reasons. So give me some good reasons to put it high on the list and you shall have your great reward.

Freeze, gopher! We want your movie list

Are you ready to put your 80s fanaticism to the test? We're looking to compile the ultimate list of the funniest movies of the 1980s. Sure, it sounds easy, but then you think...

Which is funnier? Caddyshack or Stripes? Airplane or Spinal Tap? Fast Times at Ridgemont High or Sixteen Candles? Platoon or Out of Africa? (Ah, we jest. Get in the spirit of the list, people!)

Give us your own personal list of your favorite 80s comedies -- one movie or a whole bunch -- and we'll start tallying the results and adding in some personal favorites too.

Putting the 'boing' back in Boingo

Was there any band in the 80s with a more original sound than Oingo Boingo? The California band started in the late 70s as a theater group (Mystic Knights of Oingo Boingo) but eventually ditched the acting and stuck with the eccentric rock sound of bandleader Danny Elfman. (Yeah, the same Elfman who has done the musical score for flick after flick in Hollywood).

Sadly, the band is probably best known for a tune they detested -- Weird Science, the title track to the John Hughes movie. (The film producers grabbed it from the band before they had really finished producing it, or so the story goes.) Other 80s films that featured the band include the Rodney Dangerfield opus Back to School (the band entertains Thornton's dorm party, playing "Dead Man's Party") and the Tom Hanks think-piece Bachelor Party.

The band called it quits in the mid-90s, and Elfman spends his days writing creepy music for films like The Corpse Bride, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice and Pee Wee's Big Adventure. (Looking for a daily dose of Danny E.? The theme for The Simpsons is also his.)

Our Stuck in the 80s podcast finally honors the band in this week's episode, but until then...

Top 5 Oingo Boingo songs to cherish:
5. We Close Our Eyes: "I looked Death in the face last night. I saw him in a mirror. And he simply smiled."
4. Nothing to Fear: "Go ahead, sleep tight in your beds. Remember what the wise man said."
3. Who Do You Want To Be: "I've been reborn so many times, I can't remember them all."
2. Dead Man's Party: "Goin' to a party where no one's still alive."
1. Grey Matter: "If they say 'take it and like it' ... don't do it!"

(By the way, you can buy the official "Bring Back Boingo" t-shirts at the band's website.)

Field of Dreams: If you watch it, you will cry

Say what you like about the current state of Kevin Costner's career ("sad," "disappointing" ... "over") or the inability of today's Hollywood to put together a decent sports movie (even "Friday Night Lights" was lame). There was a time -- adapting some prose here -- when the cosmic clickers all were aligned and the universe opened up for a brief moment to show us what was truly possible.

And that was 1989's Field of Dreams, my top pick for greatest movie to watch on Father's Day. So inspiring is this movie that I'm now on my third copy of it (2 worn-out VHS tapes and now the special edition DVD).

How moving is it? When the Stuck in the 80s podcast using the infamous "Dad, wanna have a catch?" scene for an episode about guy movies, the production team - myself included - couldn't stop sobbing between editing takes.

How much of a landmark was it for the actors involved? It might contain all the best performances of each actor involved -- Costner, James Earl Jones, Amy Madigan, Tim Busfield, with the exception of Ray Liotta (whose work as Shoeless Joe is only topped by his job in Goodfellas).

Sadly, like much great work, the film was unrewarded by the industry at the time. Nominated for only three Oscars (none for acting), it came home with no statues. ("Driving Miss Daisy" beat it out for Best Picture). Even the author of the book it's based on, W.P. Kinsella, gave it a less than perfect review when asked by a Canadian newspaper for his opinion. (Somebody throw a brushback pitch his way!)

We at Stuck in the 80s would never bench this classic.
Top 5 lines from Field of Dreams (aside from the obvious "If you build it, he will come" and "Ease his pain" mantras):
5. "You know we just don't recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they're happening. Back then I thought there'll be other days. I didn't realize that that was the only day."
4. "This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again."
3. "Hey rookie ... you were good."
2. "Is there a heaven?" ... "Oh yeah. It's the place where dreams come true."
1. "Hey dad ... you wanna have a catch?"

80s movies for dad

Need a quality way this weekend to honor dad? Queue up one of these classic flicks from the 80s and let the waterworks begin.

Best 80s movies about dads:

Nothing in Common (1986): Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason in his final film. Dad quote: "I know you hate me. But you have to help me."

On Golden Pond (1981): The only film in which father-daughter Henry and Jane Fonda appear together. Dad quote: "I didn't think we were mad; I just thought we didn't like each other."

Dad (1989): Little-known film packed with stars including Jack Lemmon, Ted Danson, Olympia Dukakis, Ethan Hawke. Dad quote: "Dying is not a sin. Not living is."

At Close Range (1986): With Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, this isn't the feel-good movie of the list. Dad quote: "If it's blood, don't break it."

Easy Money (1983): Not the strongest of dad plots, but how can I resist adding the late Rodney Dangerfield's performance as an Italian dad trying to marry off his daughter. The always brilliant Taylor Negron gets the quoting honors this time: "Can I call you ... dad?"

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): Steve Martin and John Candy -- a classic. Dad quote: "If I wanted a joke, I'd follow you into the john and watch you take a leak. Now are you gonna help me or are you gonna stand there like a slab of meat with mittens?"

Field of Dreams (1989): The ultimate dad movie of the 80s, and one in a long line of great Kevin Costner films in the 80s. It has so many great quotes that it's nearly impossible to pick just one. (I will, but Sunday's blog item will feature more on the movie). Dad quote ... for now: "I'm 36 years old, I love my family, I love baseball and I'm about to become a farmer. But until I heard the voice, I'd never done a crazy thing in my whole life."

Vision Quest quiz

Before you listen to our latest Stuck in the 80s podcast, see if you can answer these trivia questions on the movie Vision Quest:

1. Madonna recorded three songs for Vision Quest, though only two appear in the movie. Can you name the third song?
2. How many wrestling matches does Louden lose during the movie?
3. What do Risky Business and Vision Quest have in common? (There's more than one possible answer here.)
4. Why does Carla leave town at the end of the movie?
5. According to Louden, how many calories does sexual intercourse burn?

Our latest Stuck in the 80s podcast is online. Click here to download the Vision Quest show. Or just click here to subscribe for free on iTunes.

Video rewind: Belushi in the 80s

Once upon a time, in the 80s, there was an up-and-coming actor by the name of Belushi. Could scare you or crack you up with a lift of his eyebrows. A man's man and a would-be lady's man. Funny as all get-out.

Not talking about John. I mean Jim Belushi, who turns 52 today.

I maintain that Belushi's best work was in the 80s. Salvador, About Last Night, Real Men, his work on Saturday Night Live. Yeah, he had some good flicks in the 90s too (Mr. Destiny, Taking Care of Business) and I know he's all big on TV now with "According to Jim." But for my little amount of free time, I need more real Jim Belushi than they can show on network TV.

Need proof? Go rent About Last Night, which also starred Rob Lowe and Demi Moore, and enjoy the magic that is the drunk, acid-tongued, womanizing "Bernie Litgo." Belushi played the part in the stage version (which went by the more-enjoyable name "Sexual Perversity in Chicago.") Story has it that when it came time to take the production to the big screen, the studio wanted big-brother (and bankable) John to take over the role. But Jim begged him to turn it down. John complied and Jim just dazzled with his performance. You won't see that same Jim on network TV sandwiched between ads for Glad zip-lock food containers.

(I loved the movie so much that the first time I visited Chicago, I immediately sought out Mother's, the bar on Division Street where much of the movie takes place. What happened in the hours after I arrived is something I'll save for a future podcast.)

Want something a little less profane? Go find a copy of Real Men, starring Belushi and John Ritter as two guys with the fate of the world in their hands (along with a glass of water). Vastly underrated.

Alas, no one blames Jimbo for taking the steady paycheck. Heck, Hollywood doesn't make movies like About Last Night anymore. (After all, it wasn't a remake of a 70s or 80s TV show, so what's the attraction?) As long as my TV and DVD player work though, I'll enjoy Jim's birthday the way I think he'd like to enjoy it. With a Cubs game, cigar, a few pitchers of the amber and a late-night showing of some of his 80s classics.

Top 5 Jim Belushi movies:
5. Red Heat: "Look, lady. I just got my coffee the perfect color. It's the only thing I've got going for me tonight. "
4. Taking Care of Business: "That was the best sex I've had in 2 years, 11 months, 3 weeks and 5 days!"
3. The Principal: "Brave it through a little bit. Knives only hurt if they go through you. Urine only smells if you don't clean it up. Come on!"
2. Real Men: "They're trying to kill me. They know I can't afford a loss like that."
1. About Last Night: "Oh, that's great, Dan. I tell you I'm a thief and you call me a liar."

Ready to take on Shute?

Any Vision Quest fans out there? The 1985 movie featured the debut of Matthew Modine (where are you now, Matt?), a young Linda Fiorentino and our favorite 80s character actor Michael Schoeffling as the would-be Indian affectionately known as Kuch (better known as Jake Ryan in "Sixteen Candles.")

The movie pits Modine as a high school wrestler trying to take on Ryan Shute, a rival wrestler who hasn't lose a match in three years. Shute's played by Frank Jasper, a wrestler in the Marines who worked in one other flick ("The Freeway Maniac") before presumably calling it quits in Hollywood. (Rumor has it that he's the guy holding the "Will wrestle for food" sign in the Van Halen video for "Right Now.")

Here's some more Vision Quest trivia:

-- The original title was "Crazy For You," the name of the Madonna song in the movie. It's the first big screen appearance for the future pop star, who also sings "Gambler."

-- The title was changed to "Vision Quest" because the movie is based on the novel of the same name by Terry Davis. The novel ends at the beginning of the big wrestling match, so readers don't know if Louden or Shute wins. The author has a cameo in the movie: He's the mustached man sitting next to Mr. Tanneran at the match.

-- Daphne Zuniga plays the high school newspaper editor with a crush on Modine. She also later plays his love interest in Gross Anatomy (1989).

-- Michael Schoeffling ("Kuch") had a modeling career before and after his acting gigs in the 80s. He was an accomplished wrestler in high school and college. In 2004, the Washington Post wrote an article called "Real men can't hold a match to Jake Ryan of Sixteen Candles." Today, he has a business building hand-crafted furniture in Pennsylvania.

Want more Vision Quest trivia? You'll have to wait for this week's Stuck in the 80s podcast. But feel free to answer this question: Despite the love angle, is this just a guy movie in disguise?

Our own Hall of Fame

He was the King of the Dweebs in "Sixteen Candles" and "Weird Science." The brain in "Breakfast Club." The high school jock in "Johnny Be Good" (and "Edward Scissorhands"). And lest we forget the pre-teen grease monkey in the Kenny Rogers' classic "Six Pack." (Well, not so classic. But it did have Erin Gray, a worthy lust object from "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.")

He's Anthony Michael Hall, and he's King of the 80s. You can take your Tom Cruise (please) and run him back to Ampipe High School (anyone get that reference?). You know why Hall's my personal hero today? Because he went on the record this week saying how much he loves and admires the landmark movies of the 80s -- many of which he starred in.

"To be part of some films that people have grown up with - it's amazing," Hall told reporters this week. "I'm often stunned by it. It's actually very humbling."

And unlike some of his less lucky Brat Pack brethren, Hall is still hot. Check out his work as Whitey Ford in "61*" or his continuing good fortune in the cable series "The Dead Zone" -- now about to begin its fifth season. Want a real blast of fun? Check him out playing Bill Gates in "Pirates of Silicon Valley." Fantastiche!

It's nice to hear a star from the 'cade shouting out his love for the classics. Here's a little love back at ya.

Top 5 Anthony Michael Hall movies:
5. Weird Science: "Give 'em the knee shooters."
4. Pirates of Silicon Valley: "There may be a few... similarities."
3. 61*: "Hey, Slick, how come every time you get drunk it costs me money?"
2. Sixteen Candles: "You know, I'm getting input here that I'm reading as relatively hostile."
1. Breakfast Club: "Chicks cannot hold their smoke, dat's what it is."

Blog battle: Best storm anthem?

Tropical Storm Alberto is whipping Florida and the Tampa Bay area this week with sheets of rain and gusty winds. So while I weaved my trusty Toyota home through the flooded streets on the way to work, I searched the trusty iPod for an appropriate rock tune for stormy weather. (Our 80s college, Times pop music critic Sean Daly has his own list of rainy-day songs.)

Turns out there are two great ones to choose from: REO Speedwagon's "Riding the Storm Out" and The Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane."

But which tune is truly the superior anthem for tropical weather?

REO's Riding the Storm Out:
Lyrics: "The wind outside is frightening. But it's kinder that the lightning life of the city"
Pros: Killer opening sequence with the storm siren blowing.
Cons: Read the lyrics. Is this about a snow storm? If so, I've lost all respect for the song. Also, it's technically not an 80s song (it charted in '77), though it played nonstop during the decade.

Scorpion's Rock You Like a Hurricane:
Lyrics: "Lust is in cages til storm breaks loose. Just have to make it with someone I choose"
Pros: Some kinky lyrics ... makes me not care if this is about rainy weather or not. Those pervy Germans.
Cons:  I was never a big Scorpions fan. Their music wasn't much help in wooing the opposite sex.

Time to vote. And send any spare umbrellas you have down our way. I've gone through two already today.

Summer lovin'

The days grow longer and the nights shrink shorter. Summer time, baby! And that means daily trips to the video rental store to help fill the hours with more classic flicks from the 80s. Today, we honor the best 80s movies about the summer.

I know what you're thinking: Were there really that many movies that revolved around the summer? You know it! (And some are actually watchable). Here are our favorites:

Summer Lovers (1982): Peter Gallagher and Daryl Hannah ... naked! In fact, does anyone in this movie wear clothes? Enough reason to book the Greek isles for your next vacation. Quote: "Jealousy doesn't show how much you love someone, it shows how insecure you are." Grade: B-plus

One Crazy Summer (1986): One of two of his own movies that our favorite 80s star -- John Cusack -- doesn't much care for ("Better Off Dead" is the other). Possibly because it co-stars Demi Moore, Curtis Armstrong and Bobcat Goldthwait. Quote: "Did you think we were driving to Nantucket? Come on, it's an island!" Grade: C-minus.

Summer Rental (1985): Filmed right here in St. Petersburg, Fla., featuring some of my classmates from Countryside High as extras. Take John Candy, stir in Rip Torn and add water. Classic. Quote: "Can you tread water with that hook?" Grade: A-minus.

Summer School (1987): Long after his career as a UCLA quarterback (and long before wasting his talent on the TV series NCIS), Mark Harmon played Shoop, the world's most fun-loving gym-turned-English teacher. Surely a top 10 comedy from the 80s. Quote: "Your teacher was arrested for giving vodka to students... on roller skates." Grade: A

White Water Summer (1987): A movie starring Kevin Bacon that's not called Footloose. So it can't be all that good, right? Just sit back and enjoy a young Sean Astin carry the action as a wimpy city boy forced to reckon with a summer spent in the wild. Quote: "My friends call me D--kface." Grade: C-plus.

A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy (1982): See, I can sometimes pick 80s movies that don't revolve around angst-ridden teenagers. And despite the title, there's no nudity -- which was very disappointing for me when I rented it at age 14. Not Woody Allen's best film, but beautifully filmed and employing the best work from Mia Farrow, Mary Steenburgen, Jose Ferrer and Julie Hagerty. Quote: "Sex alleviates tension and love causes it." Grade: A

Joey, do you like podcasts about Airplanes?

Our latest podcast is online and the topic this week is the classic comedy Airplane! Click here to download it. Or click here to subscribe to the entire series for free on iTunes.

We recorded this particular podcast a few weeks ago, knowing that we were going to take a short vacation break. Turns out I was running a 100-degree-plus fever during the show -- the dreaded strep throat episode -- so as you listen you can actually hear the infection flowing through my body, attacking my vital organs and slowly eating away my brain tissue. And feel free take bets on whether I make it through the show without passing out. It's ironic because passengers were passing out right and left during the movie as well. Except I didn't eat the fish.

The show's highlights:
-- Tons of trivia about the movie, which spawned an entire genre of comedies that we still enjoy to this day (Naked Gun, Not Another Teen Movie, Date Movie, Scary Movie, etc.)
-- Discover which airline actually played Airplane! as its in-flight movie.
-- Find out why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took the role of co-pilot (and discover which disgraced baseball icon the role was meant for).
-- Ponder why Ill Literate blogger and guest host Rick Gershman still has a paying job.
-- Celebrate the moment where Steve and Rick see nudity for the very first time in a movie.
-- Savor our list of top 10 quotes from the movie. It's fantastishe!

Once you hear the podcast, answer this question: Is Airplane! the funniest movie of the 80s? If not, what was?

Michael J. Fox: Mr. 80s

He was razor-sharp smart. Funny. Smarmy. Preppy. And very, very Republican. So answer this: Is Michael J. Fox the most beloved of all 80s TV stars?

Fox, who turns 45 years old today, parlayed his big breakthrough as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties into a substantial (if not fully appreciated) career in movies before Parkinson's Disease starting to slow him down in 1991.

Consider his TV peers of the 80s:

The Facts of Life gang: No one really sticks out here except maybe Lisa Whelchel ("Blair") and Charlotte Rae ("Edna Garrett"). The theme song still sticks in the head though, doesn't it?

Who's the Boss?: Sure, we may lust after Alyssa Milano and ponder the enduring charm of Tony Danza. But that's where the love affair ends.

The Full House crew: Dave Coulier, John Stamos and the Olsen twins. Ugh. Just creepy. Never mind.

Bill Cosby: He's a legend that transcends the decades. Could have been spokesman for the colorful sweater lobby, but squandered his power to pimp pudding.

Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains): Now a born-again Christian (usually marking the end of any career in Hollywood). He'll always have that flick with Dudley Moore --"Like Father Like Son" -- to hang his hat on.

Don Johnson (Miami Vice): Aside from Cheech Marin and former Times TV critic Chase Squires, does anyone really love the Donster? I'm still waiting for an apology for Tin Cup.

There are many more: The boozers from Cheers, Gary Coleman, David Hasselhoff (yeah, now I'm kidding).

I'm sticking with our man Michael J. (by the way, the J. doesn't stand for anything. His middle name is Andrew, but he adopted the J to honor character actor Michael J. Pollard.) Anyone remember what the P stands for in his character's name?

So beloved is the man and that particular character that there's a bar in London, Ontario, called The Alex P. Keaton. Check out the website.

These days, Fox has returned to do some small (but smart) parts in acting while continuing his push to find a cure for Parkinson's.

Five best Michael J. Fox movies:
5. Bright Lights, Big City: "There's a certain shabby nobility in failing all by myself."
4. The Secret of My Success: "I have become seriously and emotionally involved with someone who isn't my aunt."
3. The American President: "It's always the guy in my job that ends up doing 18 months in Danbury minimum security prison. "
2. Doc Hollywood: "You want to trade, the pig for the part?"
1. Back to the Future: Just the first one. The second two? Better left aside (along with the "Don't call me chicken" lines). "Are you trying to tell me that my mother has got the hots for me?"

The 80s live on forever in Vegas

Just got back minutes ago from Vegas. What did I miss? I see my podcast co-host Sean Daly is busy pimping the entertainment from my beloved decade over in his pop music blog.

I'm telling you -- Vegas is a town dying to return to the 80s. Examples? Every Thursday night at House of Blues in Mandalay Bay, there's a Prince tribute act called Purple Reign. Too bad I left town on Wednesday. I would have SO been there for that. But the same venue hosts the Asia reunion show in September, and if I can scrape up the coin for a flight out there, I'll be front row center for that miraculous event.

Another example: Bellagio, still the most luxurious hotel in town (the new Wynn Las Vegas is overrated), was piping nothing but 80s classics through the casino one morning while I was busy fleecing their slots for $70.

Still not convinced? The Paris Hotel and Casino just featured a long run of a musical based on the music of Queen called "We Will Rock You." And "Mama Mia" -- showcasing the music of Abba -- is still a big draw at Mandalay Bay. And for those 80s fans who harbor a secret vampire fetish -- ah, The Lost Boys ... the two Coreys -- head over to the Stratosphere for the topless erotic production of "Bite."

And let's not forget -- as one astute reader so helpfully prods -- that every strip club in Vegas features hair-band 80s rock as the de facto music for pole dancing. (Did you know the world's largest strip club -- Sapphires -- is in Vegas? And they smack with you a $30 cover -- even on a Monday night. ... Or so I hear.)

And last -- and unfortunately least -- the new Hooters Hotel & Casino has 80s night every Tuesday night in their club featuring live 80s music and karaoke. Not the nicest hotel in town. It's the old Hotel San Remo, but now it looks more like a dustbelt Holiday Inn that serves wings. And 20 wings, some shrimp and two pitchers set us back $100. But since Hooters itself was born in the 80s, I'll cut it some slack. We all can't be high rollers in Caesars, you know.

So now that vacation is over, let's get busy again with the 80s!

Long way down the holiday road

I'm about to break a sacred streak. I've posted to the Stuck in the 80s blog every single day since Nov. 25, 2005. (I even blogged every day from a cruise ship during a 7-day cruise in March.) But that streak ends Sunday. It's time for a short vacation -- Griswold style. And this time, I'm unplugging. I'll be back Wednesday, but in the meantime, please continue to debate the merits (or lack thereof) of the Worst 80 songs of the 80s list. Or suggest some ideas for podcast episodes.

If you're desperate for more 80s material, here's a list of some of my favorite posts from the last few months. Enjoy.

-- Everything I Know, I Learned from a John Cusack movie (Oct. 18)
-- Five reasons not to watch When Harry Met Sally with the opposite sex (Dec. 31)
-- The World Wide Web of Madonna (Jan. 30)
-- Goofiest band names of the 80s (Jan. 30)
-- Fast Times at Ridgemont trivia (Jan. 26)
-- Chris Penn: A soul of his own (Jan. 26)
-- Why I hate Billy Joel's Piano Man (Jan. 13)
-- Nic Cage, 80s movie god (Jan. 6)
-- He'll have a Raspberry Beignet (May 23)
-- How to "pull a Ferris" (May 18)
-- How I almost killed Emmitt Smith (May 15)
-- All hail Taylor Negron (May 7)

Revenge of the 80s addicts

The 80 worst songs of the 80s list generated a lot of interest on Saturday when I finally posted the final 10 songs. How much interest? Ummm, about 54,000 visitors for that one day.

And if you want to read what people thought of the list, just head over to Fark.com and read the comments. We had more than 400 messages left there. Some loved the list, many disagreed with parts of it. Some people ... well, let's just say they're still composing their thoughts.

Some of the comments are pretty funny:
-- "This list is apparently written by one of those goth kids that sat in the back of the class and hated everything popular."
-- "Oh look, a pretentious "on-line editor" wants to tell us all what was the best (or worst or whatever). We should definitely take his opinion as holy gospel."
-- "Give me Huey Lewis over Brittney Spears or any American Idol anyday."
-- "Heartbeat by Don Johnson shoulda cracked the top 5.  Damn, was that a floater."
-- "I completely agree with this list. From start to finish. Vapid retch-pop, the whole group of 'em."
-- "So, this 20 year reunion thread of 80s grads has been sweet. Do we meet up on the internet again in 2026? "

Just remember that it was largely compiled from reader suggestions -- not my personal opinion -- so I won't take the insults personally. (Except from the one person who said the author must be the kind of guy who couldn't score any girls in high school and that he probably beat me up at some point.)

For those who missed the list, here are the links again: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 and  71-80).

80 worst songs of the 80s: The Top 10

At last, the top 20 songs from 80 worst songs of the 80s. Don't come looking for me if you start humming these all day long. George and Andrew to the left there are just trying to suck up in hopes they're not tops on the list. (Why does George look like Hilary Swank in that photo?)

(Click here to see 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 and  71-80).

By the way, our Stuck in the 80s podcast this week is also about the worst songs of the 80s. Click here to download it or click here to subscribe to us for free on iTunes.

And now... the final 10:

10. Walking on Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)
Band reportedly was horrified that "Katrina" was the name of last year's killer hurricane.
"Now everytime I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself down"

9. I Wanna Be a Cowboy (Boys Don't Cry)
A one-hit wonder by a British studio band, it topped out at No. 13 on the charts. One reader said "I was asked to turn off by a passenger in my car because it was so painful to listen to."
"My name is Ted. And one day I'll be dead -- yo yo"

8. Sunglasses at Night (Corey Hart)
Perhaps the most overplayed songs of the 80s (along with "Come On Eileen" and "Melt with You"), it's not even Hart's highest charting song -- Never Surrender is; along with "The Future's So Bright..." that makes two songs in the top 20 about wearing sunglasses.
"Don't switch the blade on the guy in shades, oh-no"

7. Fish Heads (Barnes and Barnes)
Fictional brothers Art and Artie Barnes are really artists Robert Haimer and Bill Mumy, who played Will Robinson in the TV series "Lost in Space." Though the song was recorded in 1978, it was released on the 1980 album Voobaha; made popular on the Dr. Demento radio show and Saturday Night Live.
"I took a fish head out to see a movie. Didn't have to pay to get it in"

   6. Don't Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin)
McFerrin creates his music using his vocal range of four octaves and by tapping on his chest to make the bass sounds; he also sang the theme song to the "Cosby Show."
"In every life we have some trouble. When you worry you make it double "

5. Everybody Have Fun Tonight (Wang Chung)
Originally called Huang Chung (Chinese for "perfect pitch"); the band also claims "Wang Chung" is a sound make by strumming a guitar; named 3rd worst song ever by Blender magazine and VH1.
"Across the nation, around the world. Everybody have fun tonight"

4. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Wham!)
Song is based on a note left in George Michael's hotel room one night from band mate Andrew Ridgeley; popularity soared with the MTV showing the band wearing "Choose Life" t-shirts.
"Jitterbug into my brain. Goes a bang bang bang till my feet do the same"

3. Greatest Love of All (Whitney Houston)
Originally recorded by George Benson in 1977; one of several hit singles off her 1985 debut album; considering Houston's current state of life, the song's themes of self-preservation and dignity might seem ironic; mocked in "Coming to America" and "Say Anything."
"No matter what they take from me, they can't take away my dignity"

2. Hip To Be Square (Huey Lewis and the News)
Band was composed of backup musicians for Elvis Costello and Van Morrison; several other band tunes -- "Heart of Rock and Roll" and "I Want A New Drug" -- barely missed inclusion on this list.
"Don't tell me that I'm crazy. Don't tell me I'm nowhere. Take it from me. It's hip to be square."

1. We Are The World (USA For Africa)
It was the best of the 80s ... it was the worst of the 80s. Originally intended by Harry Belafonte to feature only black musicians; recorded same night as American Music Awards in 1985 to assure artists were available; eighth consecutive year that a Lionel Richie song reached No. 1. Sure, the song was for a good cause. But it wasn't even as good as "Do They Know It's Christmas" by the British artists, from which the idea was stolen. As one reader said, "We had to sing that at a school concert and it haunts me to this day."

"It's true we'll make a better day. Just you and me"