Inventions & Breakthroughs of May 1988
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Internet Worm
2 
Portable Laptop Computer
3 
Digital Video Compression Concept
4 
Global Positioning System Civilian Access
5 
Medical Imaging PACS Systems
6 
Touchscreen Interface Prototype
7 
Digital Signal Processor Expansion
8 
Automated Speech Recognition Systems
9 
Electronic Mail Client Software
10 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Studies
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON May 16, 1988
Full News Archive
- Headline: Enrollment Rising In Catholic Schools. Impact: This increase in non-Catholic enrollment eventually leads to a new curriculum that includes 'How to Sneak Snacks into Church' and 'Confession for Dummies,' creating a generation of masters in spiritual negotiation.. Fact: Did you know that Catholic schools are just like regular schools, but with a side of guilt? Now that’s an educational twist!.
- Headline: Aging and Suicide: Officials Troubled By High Incidence. Impact: This tragic event leads to the establishment of mental health awareness programs that finally get the attention they deserve. It becomes a pivotal moment in prioritizing mental health, leading to more resources and discussions around this crucial issue.. Fact: Did you know that mental health resources have historically been underfunded? It’s almost like society thought ignoring it would make it go away – spoiler alert: it didn’t..
- Headline: Low Salinity Devastates Mecox Oysters. Impact: The oyster crisis prompts a bizarre trend of artisanal oysters going extinct, leading to hipster restaurants serving 'oyster-flavored air' as a delicacy. Soon, the phrase 'save the oysters' becomes the new 'save the whales.'. Fact: Did you know oysters can change their gender? Talk about being flexible! Too bad they can't change their salinity levels as easily..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1988, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1988
$0.31
2025 dataset value
$884,238
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $884,238 today (884.2x return)
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1988
$0.24
2025 dataset value
$2,037,337
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $2,037,337 today (2037.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Killing Joke
$75
Sandman #1
$500
Batman: A Death in the Family
$150
The Spectre #1
$42,000
Wolverine #1
$1,500
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
$200.00
Super Powers Collection
$150.00
Ghostbusters Proton Pack
$300.00
Polly Pocket
$250.00
Micro Machines
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Mario Bros. 3
$120.00
Mega Man 2
$200.00
Dragon Quest III
$200.00
Super Contra
$150.00
Altered Beast
$269.99
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Michael Jordan 1988 Fleer Basketball #17
$250,000
Wayne Gretzky 1988 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #1
$2,040.00
Kenner Starting Lineup Steve Young 1988 Figure Card
$600
Super Mario Bros. 1988 Topps Nintendo Game Pack #1A
$500
Bo Jackson 1988 Topps Baseball #750
$129