Morgan's Birthday

Headlines

• Ronald Reagan was President of the United States.
• The Space Shuttle Challenger tragically exploded on January 28 with New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe aboard.
• The Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurred in Ukraine on April 26.
• The Statue of Liberty celebrated its 100th birthday after a major restoration.
• Hands Across America united millions to raise money for hunger and homelessness.

Prices

• The average price of a new home was about $89,000.
• A gallon of gas averaged around 89 cents.
• A first-class postage stamp cost 22 cents.
• The average new car cost about $9,200.
• Minimum wage was $3.35 per hour.
• Average annual income was about $23,000.
• A movie ticket cost around $3.71.

Movies Released

• Top Gun
• Crocodile Dundee
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
• Aliens
• Platoon
• Little Shop of Horrors
• Blockbuster Video was beginning its rapid expansion.

Biggest Songs

• “That’s What Friends Are For” – Dionne Warwick & Friends
• “Papa Don’t Preach” – Madonna
• “Walk Like an Egyptian” – The Bangles
• “Take My Breath Away” – Berlin
• “Kyrie” – Mr. Mister
• Compact discs (CDs) were becoming the “must-have” music format even though, cassette tapes still ruled most car stereos.

Pop Culture

• Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda in Japan.
• Oprah Winfrey launched The Oprah Winfrey Show nationally.
• ALF became one of television’s biggest sitcoms.
• Miami Vice was one of the hottest TV shows.
• MTV was at the height of its popularity.