Time Capsule – Dec. 6, 1990

At the Movies – Slap those cheeks one more time for Macaulay Culkin, the 10-year-old child superstar who hits it big when “Home Alone” tops the box office.

In Music – “From a Distance” still ranks the highest on the charts, adding yet another credit to Bette Midler’s career. On the flip side, has-beens MC Hammer, New Kids on the Block and Vanilla Ice have the top-selling albums in the country. And now for the real question – how many people admit to still owning them?

On the Tube – “Cheers” is still toasting the ratings as the number one sitcom in America.

In Sports – The Big Apple hits it big on the field and on the court when New York Giant Otis Anderson becomes the eighth running back to rush for 10,000 yards while New York Knick Patrick Ewing racks up 50 points as the Knicks beat the Charlotte Hornets 113-96.

In the News – Iraq announced that it would release all its hostages, saying foreigners could begin leaving in two days.

Cable TV mogul Ted Turner and “Hanoi Jane” Fonda announce their engagement. The couple called it quits in Jan. 2000.

Due to the Persian Gulf crisis, gas hits an all-time high at $1.60 per gallon in New York City.

Paul Newman’s food company announces its plans to send 500,000 bottles of its lemonade to U.S. troops stationed in Saudi Arabia for the holidays, an average of two bottles per soldier.

Happy Birthday – R.E.M. guitarist and songwriter, Peter Buck, turns 44 today.

No Kidding – “Playboy” now offers a one-minute recorded wake-up call from a centerfold. Messages include: “Good morning, sleepy head. Did you have a good rest?” and “Come on, up and at ’em. You’ll knock ’em dead today I’m sure.” The real kicker is that the service is $4 per message! Email comments to [email protected]