Inventions & Breakthroughs of March 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 March 4, 1985
Full News Archive
- Headline: Canadian Dollar Decline Causes Confusion. Impact: The confusion over the Canadian dollar sparked a national crisis that led to the establishment of the 'Currency Confusion Task Force'. This task force eventually evolved into a secret society of currency advisors that still meets in basements to discuss the mysteries of money, while wearing tinfoil hats. Who knew currency fluctuations could lead to conspiracy theories?. Fact: Did you know that the Canadian dollar once tried to compete with the US dollar in a wrestling match? Spoiler alert: it didn't go well..
- Headline: Freed ANC Leader's Bold Decision. Impact: Dennis Goldberg’s decision to take Botha's offer was a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid struggle. It set off a chain reaction that eventually led to the establishment of an underground network of activists who communicated solely through coded messages hidden in recipes. Because nothing says revolution like baking cookies!. Fact: Fun fact: Dennis Goldberg’s favorite cookie was the oatmeal raisin — a subtle nod to the golden opportunity he found in Botha's offer!.
- Headline: Farrell vs. Koch: Divisive Politics in NYC. Impact: Assemblyman Farrell's accusations against Mayor Koch sparked a city-wide ‘Who’s Dividing Us?’ campaign. The campaign grew legs and started a reality show where New Yorkers voted on who caused the most division in the city. Spoiler alert: they were all winners!. Fact: Did you know that in New York, dividing opinions can actually be an Olympic sport? The medalists get to argue about pizza toppings!.
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