2003

/ Rev. Patti

~ Welcome to 2003 ~

Today we wake up to take a walk down memory lane in the year 2003 but before we go too far let’s turn up the radio and check out the top tunes of 2003.

Top 10 Billboard Hits of 2003

10.) Bring Me to Life by Evanescence

9.) Picture by Kid Rock featuring Sheryl Crow

8.) Miss You by Aaliyah

7.) Right Thurr by Chingy

6.) Unwell by Matchbox Twenty

5.) When I’m Gone by 3 Doors Down

4.) Crazy in Love Beyonce featuring Jay-Z

3.) Get Busy by Sean Paul

2.) Ignition by R. Kelly

And the whoppin’ hit for 2003 (sigh) was…

In da Club by 50 Cent

Top Headlines of 2003

  1. Iraq War: The US invasion of Iraq began in March 2003, led by President Bush. This was a major event that dominated news cycles for much of the year.
  2. Lawrence v. Texas: The Supreme Court struck down laws banning sodomy, a landmark decision for LGBTQ+ rights. (And you now wonder why we are where we are at today with all the transgender insanity).
  3. Arnold Schwarzenegger Elected Governor of California: The actor turned politician won the California gubernatorial recall election.
  4. Gay Marriage in Massachusetts: Massachusetts became first state to legalize same sex marriage. (Again, you can see where and when it all began and has led to where we are today).
  5. SARS Outbreak: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak originated in China and spread globally, causing significant health concerns.
  6. Saddam Hussein is arrested during the ongoing War on Terror.
  7. Abu Ghraib Prison Abuse Scandal: Photos of US soldiers abusing Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison sparked international outrage and controversy.
  8. European Heatwave: A severe heatwave across Europe led to thousands of deaths.
  9. Bam Earthquake: A powerful earthquake struck Bam, Iran, killing tens of thousands of people.
  10. Myspace Launch: One of the first social networking websites, Myspace was launched.
  11. Protests Against the Iraq War: Massive protests against the Iraq War took place worldwide, especially in London.
  12. Elizabeth Smart Found: Elizabeth Smart, a young girl who had been kidnapped, was found alive after missing for 9 months.

Prices in 2003

  • Avg. Home Cost – $187,900
  • Avg. Car Cost – $21,646
  • Avg. Yearly Income – $41,421
  • Minimum Wage – $5.15 hr
  • Gal of Gas- $1.59
  • Gal of Milk – $2.76
  • Postage Stamp – $.37
  • Movie Ticket – $6.03
  • Concert Ticket – $30 to $150
  • Loaf of Bread – $1.50
  • Dozen Eggs – $1.24
  • Avg. Box of Cereal – $3.00
  • Can Tuna – $1.00
  • Bacon – $3.20
  • Coffee – $4.00 lb
  • Ground Beef – $2.45 lb
  • Chicken – $1.03 lb
  • Turkey – $1.00 lb
  • Rib Eye Steak – $7.63 lb
  • 5lbs Sugar – $2.15
  • 5 lbs Flour – $1.55
  • T-Bone Steak – $6.50 lb
  • LG Frozen Pizza – $4 to $6
  • 1/2 Gal Ice Cream – $3.81
  • 16 oz Jar Peanut Butter – $2.50
  • 16 oz. Jar Preserves – $2.50
  • 32 oz Jar Mayonnaise – $2.00
  • Bologna – $2.39 lb
  • Bananas – $.51 lb
  • Tomatoes – $1.51 lb
  • Avocados – $.75 each
  • 16 oz Cottage Cheese – $2.00
  • American Cheese Slices – $2.50
  • Big Mac – $2.46
  • Whopper – $2.69
  • Microwave – $50 to $150
  • 35″ Color TV – $500 to $1500
  • 35″ Flat Screen Color TV – $2,000
  • CD Player – $20 to $200
  • DVD Player – $100 to $300
  • VCR – $50 to $150
  • Basic Home Stereo System – $100 to $300
  • Desktop Computer – $500 to $1500
  • Laptop Computer – $1,000 to $2000
  • Cell Phone – $100 to $300

Top Toys of 2003

  • Barbie Color Magic: These dolls changed color with water, making them really popular for little girls that year. Prices ranged from $10 to $20.
  • Hess Toy Trucks: These collectibles toy trucks were a holiday favorite in 2003 for all boys. Prices ranged from $10 to $20.
  • Ty Beanie Babies: These plush little bears continued to be popular, with new releases and limited editions driving the collector interest. Prices ranged from $5 to $20.
  • Lord of the Rings Toys: With the popularity of the Lord of the Rings movies, action figures and playsets based on the films were in high demand. Prices ranged from $5 to $20.
  • Cabbage Patch Kids: The classic doll made a comeback in 2003 and sold for $20 to $40.
  • LeapFrog Leapster: This educational handheld gaming system was popular with younger kids. Price ranged from $50 to $100.
  • Bratz Dolls: These fashion dolls with unique styles and accessories were a hit with younger girls. Prices ranged from $10 to $20.

Top TV Shows of 2003

  1. CSI
  2. American Idol Tuesdays
  3. American Idol Wednesdays
  4. Friends
  5. The Apprentice
  6. ER
  7. Survivor
  8. CSI: Miami
  9. Monday Night Football
  10. Everybody Loves Raymond
  11. Without a Trace
  12. Law & Order
  13. Will & Grace
  14. My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance
  15. Two and a Half Men
  16. 60 Minutes
  17. Cold Case
  18. Law & Order:SVU
  19. Crossing Jordan
  20. Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Top Movies of 2003

  1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
  2. Finding Nemo
  3. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
  4. Kill Bill Volume 1
  5. Elf
  6. School of Rock
  7. X-Men 2
  8. Freaky Friday
  9. Big Fish
  10. Bruce Almighty
  11. The Last Samurai
  12. Mystic River
  13. Lost in Translation
  14. Underworld
  15. Monster
  16. Oldboy
  17. Brother Bear
  18. The Italian Job
  19. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
  20. The Matrix Reloaded

Well, there you have it, 2003. Tomorrow we’ll take a walk back through 2004.

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