Inventions & Breakthroughs of October 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 October 3, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: Senate Overrides Reagan on South Africa Sanctions. Impact: By overriding Reagan's veto, the Senate not only sparked a series of global sanctions against South Africa, which contributed to the end of apartheid, but also inadvertently led to an increase in the number of awkward dinner conversations about politics and social justice for decades to come.. Fact: Did you know that this vote was so significant that it made Reagan reconsider his entire wardrobe? He thought if he was going to be a president with a veto, he might as well look good doing it..
- Headline: Screening: 'Tough Guys' Remake Experience. Impact: The film 'Tough Guys' reminded Hollywood that nostalgia sells, kickstarting a trend that led to an endless stream of remakes, reboots, and sequels, creating a future where originality has been declared extinct.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Tough Guys' was actually an undercover mission by Hollywood to see how many times they could get people to pay for the same story. Spoiler: They succeeded..
- Headline: Sid Vicious and Nancy: A Tragic Love Story. Impact: The film 'Sid and Nancy' glamorized the punk rock lifestyle, which led countless teenagers to believe that embracing chaos and rebellion was a fashion statement, ultimately resulting in a spike in mohawk haircuts and leather jackets in suburban neighborhoods.. Fact: Did you know that Sid Vicious's real-life antics inspired more people to pick up guitars than actual music lessons? Because nothing says 'rock star' like playing your instrument poorly and dating someone who also can't keep a job..
- Headline: SCREEN: AN ADAPTION, 'CHILDREN OF LESSER GOD'. Impact: The adaptation of 'Children of Lesser God' sparked discussions about the representation of disability in film, leading to a future where Hollywood would finally acknowledge that not every deaf character needs to be a tragic figure, thus paving the way for more nuanced storytelling.. Fact: Did you know this film won Marlee Matlin an Oscar? It's like Hollywood finally threw a bone to the 'not just a pretty face' crowd, proving that talent actually does matter... sometimes..
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