Inventions & Breakthroughs of September 1980
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1
Portable Personal Computer
2
Compact Disc (CD)
3
Charge-Coupled Device Camera Expansion
4
Medical MRI Scanner Commercial Use
5
Digital Signal Processor
6
Electronic Spreadsheet Software
7
Home Video Game Console Expansion
8
Industrial Laser Cutting Systems
9
Automatic Blood Glucose Meter
10
Satellite Navigation Expansion
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 23, 1980
Full News Archive
- Headline: Without Warning: A Sci-Fi Classic. Impact: This sci-fi turkey inspired a generation of filmmakers to never take their scripts too seriously, leading to an explosion of absurdist comedies that baffled audiences for decades. Who knew a clucking alien could spark such chaos?. Fact: Did you know that 'Without Warning' is often cited as the reason why turkey dinners became less popular during the holidays? People just couldn't shake the association with extraterrestrial mayhem..
- Headline: 'Hopscotch' Features Dynamic Duo. Impact: The Jackson-Matthau duo turned out to be the unlikely spark that ignited a slew of buddy-comedies, leading to the eventual rise of countless 'two opposites team up' films. Thanks, guys, for the endless parade of mismatched duos!. Fact: Did you know that the CIA actually considered recruiting comedians for covert operations? Apparently, laughter is the best cover!.
- Headline: Exploring Allen's 'Stardust Memories'. Impact: Woody Allen's self-reflection led to an entire movement of filmmakers obsessing over their neuroses, which in turn created an era of cinema where the main character is always a slightly sad, neurotic man. You're welcome, world.. Fact: Did you know that Woody Allen has probably watched more films about himself than anyone else? Talk about self-centered cinema!.
- Headline: 'MELVIN AND HOWARD'OPENS FESTIVAL TONIGHT. Impact: The story of 'Melvin and Howard' not only resurrected interest in Howard Hughes but also sparked a bizarre fascination with chance encounters that somehow led to more conspiracy theories about Hughes than actual facts. Thanks for the rabbit hole!. Fact: Did you know that Howard Hughes spent a lot of time in seclusion? Some say he was hiding from the very people who wanted to make movies about him. Irony at its finest!.
- Headline: A MONK MEETS HUCKSTERS AND GOD. Impact: The meeting of a monk and hucksters became a case study in the eternal struggle between spirituality and capitalism, leading to countless debates that still rage today. Who knew comedy could be so enlightening?. Fact: Did you know that monks have been known to turn down lucrative offers from hucksters? Apparently, they prefer a life of simplicity over flashy marketing gimmicks. Shocking, I know!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1980, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1980
$0.10
2025 dataset value
$2,766,454
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1980, it would be worth $2,766,454 today (2766.5x return)
Rank #3
INTC
Intel
Price in 1980
$0.18
2025 dataset value
$199,890
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1980, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The New Teen Titans #1
$75
The X-Men #137
$400
Savage She-Hulk #1
$276
Dazzler #1
$900
The Untold Legend of the Batman #1
$20,000
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Rubik's Cube
$150.00
Atari 2600
$2,500.00
Star Wars Action Figures
$300.00
The Empire Strikes Back Tauntaun
$150.00
LEGO Space Sets
$400.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Pac-Man
$50.00
Centipede
$95.00
Missile Command
$33,400.00
Zork I: The Great Underground Empire
$212.30
Rogue
$100.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1980 Topps Baseball Rickey Henderson Rookie Card
$138,000
1980 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Card
$125,000
1980 Topps Larry Bird / Magic Johnson Rookie Card with Julius Erving
$500,000
1980 Panini Soccer Stickers Diego Maradona
$250,000
1980 Donruss Golf Jack Nicklaus Card
$0.00