1988

1988, the year my first son was born. Some interesting facts: Ronald W. Regan was President, George Bush was Vice-President. The DNC nominated Michael Dukakis for President, Lloyd Bentson for Vice-President. Republic convention nominates George Bush for President, Dan Quayle for Vice-President. Republicans sweep 40 states in election!

Pan-Am 747 explodes from terrorist bomb crashing in Lockerbie Scotland killing all 259 on board and 11 on the ground. A U.S. Naval ship shot down an Iranian airliner over the Persian Gulf as they had mistook it for a jet aircraft killing 290. The Halabja poison gas attack is carried out by Iraqi government forces. Over 5,000 people "just dropped dead" and over 10,000 people injured.

98% of U.S. households had at least one television. C.D.'s out sell vinyl records for the first time. Record of the year was Graceland by Paul Simon. George Micheal's Faith was the #1 hit of the year. Top grossing movies: Rainman $172,825,435; Who Framed Roger Rabbit $154,222,492; Twins 111,936,400; Diehard $80,707,729.

Average income: $27,225, average monthly rent $420, a stamp cost $ .25 after the beginning of April. Average price of new car $10,400. A gallon of milk $.91, movie ticket $3.50, eggs $.65 and last but not least, gasoline was $.90 a GALLON!!!!