Inventions & Breakthroughs of September 1987
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Digital Camera Sensor Improvements
2 
Portable Cellular Phone
3 
Computer-Aided Surgery Systems
4 
Compact Flash Memory Concept
5 
Desktop Publishing Software (PageMaker)
6 
Medical Ultrasound Doppler Imaging
7 
Network File Sharing Protocols
8 
Automated Warehouse Robotics
9 
Digital Music Compact Disc Production
10 
Space Station Module Concepts
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 10, 1987
Full News Archive
- Headline: S.E.C. Charges Against Allegheny International. Impact: Had the SEC not pursued Allegheny, corporate America might still be hiding executive perks under the rug. Imagine a world where CEOs flaunt gold-plated toilets without fear of repercussions. Truly a dystopian nightmare.. Fact: The SEC was created after the Great Depression, because apparently, letting companies run wild with no oversight had some negative consequences. Who knew?.
- Headline: Queens Garden Apartments Unveiled. Impact: Thanks to Edward A. MacDougall’s garden apartments, the exodus from Manhattan began. This led to suburban sprawl, which ultimately resulted in the invention of the 'Soccer Mom' and the subsequent rise of minivans. Truly the butterfly flapping its wings.. Fact: Jackson Heights was named because 'Jackson's Slightly Less Crowded Heights' didn't quite have the same ring to it..
- Headline: Discover Historic Homes in Delaware County. Impact: These historic tours in Delaware County could have inspired a new breed of hipster tourism focused on the 'authentic' experience of 19th-century taverns. Who knows, we might be pouring artisanal cocktails in turnpike inns today.. Fact: The 19th-century turnpike taverns were the original rest stops, where travelers could grab a bite and a drink—probably the same snacks that are still available at gas stations today..
- Headline: An Italian Factory Turns Terra Cotta Into an Art Form. Impact: This Italian factory's leap into terra cotta artistry might have inspired future artists to elevate mundane objects into high art. Who knew flower pots could one day hang in the Louvre?. Fact: Terra cotta literally means 'baked earth.' So, next time you admire a pottery piece, remember it's just glorified dirt that got a degree in art..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1987, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1987
$0.14
2025 dataset value
$1,945,817
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $1,945,817 today (1945.8x return)
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1987
$0.10
2025 dataset value
$4,778,667
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $4,778,667 today (4778.7x return)
Rank #3
INTC
Intel
Price in 1987
$0.25
2025 dataset value
$146,978
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $146,978 today (147.0x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #4
$150
Watchmen #12
$150
Daredevil #227
$500
X-Men #221
$125
Justice League #1
$1,500
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Koosh Ball
$75.00
Nerf Football
$900.00
Jenga
$300.00
Pound Puppies
$75.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
The Legend of Zelda
$500.00
Final Fantasy
$150.00
Metal Gear
$299.99
Street Fighter
$185.00
Contra
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1987 Fleer Michael Jordan #59
$18,100.00
1987 Topps Barry Bonds #320
$1,200
1987 Donruss Greg Maddux Rated Rookie #36
$300
1987 Topps Tiffany Bo Jackson #170
$170
1987 Panini Soccer Diego Maradona #82
$250,000