Inventions & Breakthroughs of November 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 November 20, 1987
Full News Archive
- Headline: Streisand's Bold Performance in 'Nuts'. Impact: Streisand's performance as a call girl on trial not only solidified her status as a cultural icon but also caused a chain reaction of overdramatic performances in courtroom dramas, leading to a future where every legal case feels like a Broadway musical. Who knew legal arguments could come with jazz hands?. Fact: Did you know that Streisand once turned a simple dinner invitation into a three-act opera? No? Well, now you have the perfect trivia for your next awkward dinner party!.
- Headline: Film: Teen Wolf Too, Family Curse. Impact: 'Teen Wolf Too' became the catalyst for a generation of misguided filmmakers, leading to an explosion of college-themed supernatural dramas. By the time we reached the 2020s, the world was flooded with vampire sororities and werewolf fraternity hazing rituals. Thanks, Hollywood!. Fact: Did you know that 'Teen Wolf Too' starred Jason Bateman, who later became a successful actor and producer? Guess he decided that being a werewolf wasn't the best career path after all!.
- Headline: Prince's 'Sign o' the Times' Concert Film. Impact: Prince's 'Sign o' the Times' concert was so electrifying that it sent shockwaves through the music industry. This event led to an entire generation of artists believing that they too could wear outrageous outfits and still be taken seriously. Spoiler: they couldn't.. Fact: Did you know that Prince once performed a 21-minute long version of 'Purple Rain'? Talk about a concert that would make your bladder regret every decision!.
- Headline: Film: 'Last Emperor,' an Epic. Impact: 'Last Emperor' brought China's tumultuous history to the forefront, sparking a wave of interest in the region that led to a global fascination with all things Chinese, including fortune cookies and kung fu movies. Little did they know, this would eventually culminate in TikTok dance challenges.. Fact: Did you know that 'The Last Emperor' was the first film to win all nine Oscars for which it was nominated? That's like winning the lottery and then using it to buy a lifetime supply of ramen noodles!.
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