What was going on when I was born?

HEMPSTEAD, L.I., Oct. 16--President Carter warned potential "adversaries" today that "if they attacked the United States of America they will be commiting suicide."

LONDON, Oct. 16--Sir Geoffrey Howe, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered a spirited defense of the Government's controversial monetary policies tonight, with a reaffirmation that the course would not be changed.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (AP)--Industrial production rose sharply and personal income continued to grow steadily in September, the Government reported today.

MEXICO CITY, Oct.16--The jewelers shop on Mexico City's tree-lined Amberes Street has Cartier's wellknown logo engraved discreetly in brass on its black-marble facade. An armed guard stands beside a small display window while, inside, an elegant middle-aged woman speaks softly in English as she shows an American visitor various gold watches, each inscribed with the words "Cartier" and "Swiss."

THAT spectacular display of fall foliage turning into blazing shades of red, yellow and brown--is sweeping closer to the New York metropolitan area. Those who want to see the best of the annual display this weekend should head for the Hudson Valley, particularly Putnam, Dutchess and Ulster Counties.

NEWARK, Oct. 16--With the economy troubling New Jersey voters more than people in many other states, Ronald Reagan appears to be maintaining a lead in the battle for the state's 17 electoral votes, but President Carter is making a late rush to try to overtake him.

THE first round of this season's major sales of modern and Im pressionist paintings, drawings, watercolors and sculptures will make visiting auction houses a must this weekend for many, both those who come to buy and those who like to participate in one of the most exciting free shows in the art world.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16--Secretary of State Edmund S. Muskie said today that the Administration would press for Senate approval of the strategic arms treaty with Moscow even though Soviet troops have not been withdrawn from Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16--President Carter said today that he was prepared to meet with Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Rajai of Iran on ways of resolving the nearly year-old hostage crisis, but had no idea whether the Iranian was amenable.

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Oct. 16--Ronald Reagan won endorsements from two black civil rights leaders today and then pulled out a lot of stops in an effort to convince the large number of undecided voters in Michigan's affluent and heavily Republican Oakland County that he should be President.