Inventions & Breakthroughs of October 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 October 16, 1987
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring 'Blue Monkey,' Larva Horror Film. Impact: The success of 'Blue Monkey' led to an unexpected boom in horror films featuring insects, resulting in a bizarre reality where people are now terrified of harmless caterpillars. Who knew that a horror flick could shift humanity's perception of nature?. Fact: Did you know that 'Blue Monkey' was almost titled 'Angry Larvae: The Revenge'? They opted for the current title after realizing it sounded too much like a children's cartoon..
- Headline: Nolte's Charming Role in 'Weeds'. Impact: 'Weeds' not only made audiences chuckle but also inspired a generation of wannabe playwrights, leading to a spike in unsuccessful one-man shows about life in prison. Thanks, Nolte, for that rich contribution to world culture.. Fact: Fun fact: The script was originally written as a dramatic thriller until Nolte read it and said, 'Can we make this funny? I'm not going to prison for this.'.
- Headline: Gish and Davis Star in 'Whales of August'. Impact: 'Whales of August' sparked a renewed interest in retirement homes as the next hip vacation destination, causing an influx of 'young influencers' to visit and document their 'authentic' experiences with the elderly—because nothing says adventure like bingo night.. Fact: This film was so poignant that even the whales off the coast of Maine reportedly cried during the final cut. No one could verify this, but it certainly added to the film's mystique..
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