Inventions & Breakthroughs of August 1983
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Cellular Telephone Commercial Launch
2 
Domain Name System (DNS)
3 
Personal Computer Mouse
4 
Compact Disc-ROM
5 
Artificial Intelligence Expert Systems
6 
Global Positioning System Deployment
7 
Portable CD Player (Discman)
8 
Medical Laser Eye Surgery
9 
Computer-Aided Drug Design
10 
Electronic Trading Systems
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON August 25, 1983
Full News Archive
- Headline: Innovative Rolled Window Screens. Impact: The invention of roll-up screens leads to an unexpected fashion trend: window treatments that double as capes. Soon, superheroes are seen flying around with stylish, retractable shields. Thank you, Walsh Screen Products!. Fact: Did you know that before roll-up screens, people just used the classic 'open or close the window' method? Groundbreaking stuff, really..
- Headline: Hamptons Handcrafted Desk Exhibition. Impact: The handcrafted desks become so popular that they trigger a worldwide desk revolution, leading to the establishment of the Desk Olympics, where competitors showcase their best writing and crafting abilities. Gold medals are awarded for 'Most Comfortable Sitting Position.'. Fact: Did you know that desks have been around since the 15th century? They were invented for people who just couldn't handle writing on their laps anymore!.
- Headline: HERS. Impact: The tension between Jewish and feminist identities escalates into a global movement where everyone must choose a side, leading to 'Judaism vs. Feminism: The Ultimate Showdown' at the World Cup. Spoiler: everyone loses.. Fact: Did you know that custody battles are just practice for future debates? The only difference is that no one gets a trophy for being the better parent..
- Headline: TAX NOT LOWER, FED REPORT SAYS. Impact: The Federal Reserve's report leads to a series of nationwide protests, with people dressed as tax forms demanding better financial transparency. This ultimately triggers a bizarre reality where tax forms become the new fashion statement.. Fact: Did you know that claiming tax reductions is about as reliable as claiming you 'totally did your workout' after just staring at your gym shoes?.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1983, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #2
WMT
Walmart
Price in 1983
$0.15
2025 dataset value
$784,047
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1983, it would be worth $784,047 today (784.0x return)
Rank #3
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1983
$1.11
2025 dataset value
$188,194
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1983, it would be worth $188,194 today (188.2x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The New Teen Titans #1
$150
Saga of the Swamp Thing #20
$50
Detective Comics #526
$15
Thor #337
$50
Miracleman #2
$1,500
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Cabbage Patch Kids
$150.00
My Little Pony
$150.00
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
$150.00
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
$175.00
Star Wars Return of the Jedi Action Figures
$150.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Mario Bros.
$600.00
Dragon'S Lair
$200.00
M.U.L.E.
$182.44
Lode Runner
$115.00
Tapper
$150.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1983 Topps Baseball Tony Gwynn Rookie Card
$2,500
1983 Topps Baseball Ryne Sandberg Rookie Card
$1,560.00
1983 Topps Baseball Wade Boggs Rookie Card
$1,500
1983 O-Pee-Chee Wrestling Hulk Hogan Card
$1,000
1983 Donruss Baseball Three’s Company - Ripken, Hrabosky, And Fingers (Card #654)
Unknown