Inventions & Breakthroughs of February 1985
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Windows Operating System
2 
CD-ROM Drive
3 
Genetic Engineering Tool (PCR)
4 
Mobile Laptop Computer
5 
Digital Cellular Network
6 
Automated Manufacturing Cells
7 
Home Video Camcorder
8 
Medical Laser Lithotripsy
9 
Computer Animation Software
10 
Electronic Music Sampling Keyboard
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON February 12, 1985
Full News Archive
- Headline: Increased Security at the White House. Impact: This increased security at the White House leads to an arms race of sorts in the tourist industry, where people start getting creative with disguises, ultimately giving rise to the modern trend of 'selfie sticks as secret agents'.. Fact: Did you know that before this incident, the White House was basically an open-door policy? Just kidding, they still wouldn't let you in without a proper ID, even if you were bringing cookies!.
- Headline: BRIEFING; A Call to Poverty?. Impact: The Pentagon’s budget drama sets off a chain reaction where military spending becomes a political football, leading to countless debates, but ultimately no one really being able to solve any of the budget issues. Classic.. Fact: Did you know that budget meetings in the Pentagon are basically just a bunch of people arguing over who gets the last cupcake? Because clearly, that’s what they’re fighting about..
- Headline: BRIEFING; New at the U.N.. Impact: Lieut. Gen. Walters’ appointment leads to a revitalization of U.S. foreign relations, but only because he accidentally sends a 'LOL' in a serious email, making everyone realize they needed a sense of humor.. Fact: Did you know that the UN is basically like the world's biggest group chat? Lots of messages, some misunderstandings, and everyone trying to avoid the drama..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1985, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1985
$0.84
2025 dataset value
$246,803
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $246,803 today (246.8x return)
Rank #2
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1985
$1.32
2025 dataset value
$242,284
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $242,284 today (242.3x return)
Rank #3
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1985
$0.10
2025 dataset value
$2,853,286
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $2,853,286 today (2853.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Crisis on Infinite Earths #1
$50
The Dark Knight Returns #1
$50
Secret Wars #8
$150
Albedo Anthropomorphics #2
$300
Love and Rockets #1
$250
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Care Bears Plush
$250.00
M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand)
$250.00
My Buddy Doll
$700.00
Super Powers Collection
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Mario Bros.
$1,000.00
Duck Hunt
$275.00
Excitebike
$50.00
Choplifter
$80.00
Gauntlet
$50.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1985 Nike Promo Michael Jordan Rookie Card
$18,000
1985 Topps Mark McGwire USA Baseball Rookie Card #401
$2,000
1985 Garbage Pail Kids Adam Bomb #8a
$189.95
1985 Donruss Shawon Dunston Rated Rookie #43
$150
1985 Star Michael Jordan Rookie Card #101
$480,000