Week of September 24, 1990

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev wins emergency

powers by Soviet lawmakers to remodel the economy -

an economy devastated by 70 years of socialism. A

new supply and demand system decision has not taken

place though.

In a videotaped speech sent to the United States, Iraqi

President Saddam Hussein says that an attack on Iraq

would “repeat the Vietnam experience” but “more

violent and cause more casualties.” CNN broadcast the

full 76-minute tape.

Iraq expels dozens of diplomats from U.S, Europe and the Arab countries and

says it will never retreat from Kuwait. President Bush says he still hopes for a

peaceful settlement but support for U.S. deployment remains strong.

City Federal Savings Bank - New Jersey’s largest Savings and Loan is

dismantled. Twenty-seven of its Florida branches are sold to Great Western. The

government will manage the other sixty-six branches until a buyer is found. It’s

the second most expensive S&L bailout ever, costing the taxpayers $15 billion.

Gasoline prices hit $1.38 a gallon at the

pump - an all-time high.

The Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas signs

Frank Sinatra to an exclusive two-year

contract. He’ll begin on New Years Eve.

Spot oil prices hit $40+ a barrel. President Bush announces plans to sell 5 million

barrels of oil from the petroleum reserves to curb “intensive and unwarranted

speculation in oil futures.” The reserve holds 590 million barrels.

Pat Robertson says a puppet show in Atlanta, apparently subsidized by the

National Endowment for the Arts - featured “approximately five minutes of

simulated foreplay between two puppets followed by an exhibit of oral sex acts.”

Robertson and his Christian Coalition generated some 27,000 letters requesting

the NEA be abolished.

2 Live Crew leader Luther Campbell pays producer George

Lucas over $300 thousand and agrees not to use the name

Luke Skywalker in an out-of-court settlement. Lucasfilm LTD

Week of September 24, 1990

had filed a $300 million federal trademark infringement against the singer in

March.

The late Marvin Gaye gets a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Gaye’s

children Nona, Marvin III and Frankie accepted the award. Stevie Wonder also

attended the ceremonies.

New - Mercury introduces two new cars - The Capri and Tracer. Standard price

for the Capri - $13,043 ... The Mercury Tracer is at $9,394.

Passing - Larry O’Brien (73). Directed John F. Kennedy’s campaign for president

and served as commissioner for the National Basketball Association from 1975 to

1984.

Elizabeth Taylor files a $20 million libel suit against

the National Enquirer for an article that was published

after she was admitted to a hospital earlier in the year.

The star was admitted for a near-fatal pneumonia but

headlines read “Liz Docs Furious, She’s Boozing It Up

In Hospital.” The suit says the paper was notified of

the inaccuracy several days after it hit the stands, but

the paper said the story was accurate.

Bestsellers - “Memories Of Midnight” - Sidney Sheldon, “Four Past Midnight” -

Stephen King, “Homecoming” - John Bradshaw, “Darkness Visible: A Memoir Of

Madness” - William Styron.

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) replaces the “X” rating in

films and replaces it with NC-17. The designation means no children under 17

can be admitted. Industry observers say the “X” rating meant the film was or

leaned more pornographic in nature - at least that was the public’s perception. _

Jerry Weintraub resigns as chairman and chief executive of

Weintraub Entertainment and moves to Warner Brothers.

Weintraub Entertainment has sought chapter 11-bankruptcy

protection. The company hasn’t had a hit for sometime. Its

past hits were “Oh God,” “The Karate Kid,” “Diner,” and

“Nashville.”

Comedian Bob Newhart (61) is named as grand marshal for

the 102nd Tournament of Roses Parade. The theme will be

“Fun and Games.”

Week of September 24, 1990

ABC says it will begin a pre-dawn (1a-6a) newscast beginning in January. As of

yet, it hasn’t been given a name.

Thursday Night TV - CBS - Top Cops, The Flash, Candid Camera Goes To The

Doctor, Knots Landing ... NBC - The Cosby Show, A Different World, Cheers,

The Tonight Show 28th Anniversary ... ABC - Father Dowling, Gabriel’s Fire,

PrimeTime Live ... FOX - The Simpsons, Babes, Glory Days

Tonight Show 28th Anniversary - Johnny

Carson, Ed McMahon and Doc

Severson.

This Saturday Night - “Cop Rock” from

producer Steven Bochco.

CBS says it’s going to turn its recent late

night news specials into a regular

program hosted by Leslie Stahl and

Charles Kuralt. Beginning October 1, the

program has yet to be named. It will compete against ABC’s “Nightline.”

Premiering in syndication this week - “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

Pop music this week in 1990 - “Release Me” -

Wilson Philips, “Close To You” - Maxi Priest,

“(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” -

Nelson, “Something Happened On The Way To

Heaven” - Phil Collins, “Praying For Time” -

George Michael, “Do Me” - Bell Biv DeVoe,

“Have You Seen Her” - M.C. Hammer, “Oh Girl” -

Paul Young, “Can’t Stop Fallin' Into Love” -

Cheap Trick, “Thieves In The Temple” - Prince,

“My My My” - Johnny Gill, “This Is The Right

Time” - Lisa Stansfield, “Praying For Time” -

George Michael, “I Don’t Have The Heart” -

James Ingram.

Top albums - “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt Em” - MC Hammer, Mariah Carey,

Mariah Carey, “Wilson Philips” - Wilson Philips, “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1”

- George Michael, “Blaze Of Glory” - Jon Bon Jovi

Top Country - “Jukebox In My Mind” - Alabama, “Friends In Low Places” - Garth