🧠 Inventions of 1986
Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON September 29, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: Political Dynamics in New York and Georgia. Impact: Senator Nunn's barbecue popularity sparked a nationwide obsession with grilling, leading to the eventual rise of competitive barbecue shows that distracted politicians from actual governance. Who knew sausages could influence Senate races?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more unifying than party politics in New York is the love for pizza? Maybe they should focus on that instead..
- Headline: Talking Politics: Taking Off the Gloves. Impact: This radio spot marked the dawn of negative campaigning, which spiraled into today's political ads that are basically just organized name-calling. A bright future for democracy, indeed!. Fact: Did you know that 'taking off the gloves' in politics is just code for 'we're about to unleash a barrage of insults'? Welcome to civility in democracy!.
- Headline: Virginia Cavaliers' TV Breakthrough. Impact: The brief TV appearance of the Cavalier football team led to so many fans tuning in that it triggered an unforeseen chain of events: the birth of tailgating parties, which have since become a national pastime—because who needs to watch the game when you have hotdogs?. Fact: Did you know that before TV, people just had to rely on the radio for sports updates? Imagine the agony of not being able to see your team's glorious defeats live!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1986, here's what it would be worth in 2025.
Rank #1
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1986
$2.07
Value in 2025
$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
Value in 2025
$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
Value in 2025
$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