Inventions & Breakthroughs of September 1986
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Supercomputer (Cray-2)
2 
Artificial Intelligence Neural Networks Revival
3 
Portable GPS Receiver
4 
CD Burner Prototype
5 
Medical MRI Contrast Agents
6 
Automated Airline Reservation Systems
7 
Digital Telephone Switching Expansion
8 
Personal Laser Printer
9 
Electric Vehicle Research Program
10 
Space Telescope Deployment (Hubble Concept)
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 27, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: 'Decline' - A French-Canadian Comedy. Impact: This raucous comedy led to an unforeseen cultural exchange, as French-Canadian humor eventually inspired a new genre of sitcoms. Who knew that non-stop sex talk could lead to the birth of reality TV?. Fact: Did you know that 'Decline' was so popular that it became a mandatory viewing for university staff meetings? Because nothing says professional development like non-stop sex talk..
- Headline: NEW YORK DAY BY DAY; Norse Restake Claim. Impact: The Viking-style ship's arrival reignited age-old debates about discovery and ownership, causing historians to argue for centuries over who really discovered America—kind of like the ultimate episode of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'. Fact: Did you know that the ship's crew mistakenly thought they were sailing to a seafood restaurant? Talk about miscommunication through the ages!.
- Headline: NEW YORK DAY BY DAY; A Legend Lives On. Impact: Fiorello H. La Guardia's legacy lived on in the form of memes, ensuring that his witty remarks would haunt city politicians for generations to come. He may have left the building, but his comebacks never did.. Fact: Did you know that La Guardia's ghost is rumored to still haunt City Hall, making snarky comments during boring meetings? Some legends never die!.
- Headline: NEW YORK DAY BY DAY; Mothers' Appeal. Impact: Kitzia Ratner's appeal against a superpower led to a global trend of elderly women challenging authority, inspiring a generation of activists who would eventually overthrow several governments. Old ladies unite!. Fact: Did you know that Kitzia was once offered a reality show called 'Gritty Grandmas'? It never aired, but it would have broken the internet!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1986, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1986
$2.07
2025 dataset value
$154,145
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $154,145 today (154.1x return)
Rank #2
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1986
$0.08
2025 dataset value
$3,574,639
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $3,574,639 today (3574.6x return)
Rank #3
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1986
$0.06
2025 dataset value
$8,149,367
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $8,149,367 today (8149.4x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1
$50
Watchmen #1
$300
Swamp Thing #46
$75
Maus #1
$100
Crisis on Infinite Earths #12
$15
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Laser Tag
$75.00
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Jenga
$300.00
My Little Pony (Generation 1)
$300.00
G.I. Joe (A Real American Hero line)
$1350.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
The Legend of Zelda
$350.00
Metroid
$500.00
Castlevania
$90,000
Dragon Quest
$200.00
Out Run
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Michael Jordan Rookie Card
$250,000
Fleer Michael Jordan Sticker
$16,900
1986-87 Fleer Basketball Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
$6,500
1986 Garbage Pail Kids (3rd Series)
$3,000
Topps 1986 Traded Barry Bonds XRC
$745