The portable CD player is introduced. The U.S. Supreme Court rules that home video taping doesn't violate copyright laws. Democrat Geraldine Ferraro becomes the first woman vice presidential candidate on a major party ticket. But Ronald Reagan coasts to a second term in the White House. Two huge earthquakes rock Mexico City.
Cellular telephones show up in cars.
Crack cocaine makes its first appearance. And New Coke is introduced in grocery stores and vending machines. Nintendo's home entertainment system creates a boom in home video gaming. Leaded gas is banned in the United States. And Rock Hudson becomes the first major public figure to die of AIDS on Oct. 2.