Inventions & Breakthroughs of July 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 July 6, 1988
Full News Archive
- Headline: Naughty But Saintly Teen-Agers Review. Impact: This film about rebellious teens borrowing cars sparked a nationwide epidemic of teenagers thinking they could outsmart their parents. Fast forward to today, and we have TikTok influencers who think they can outsmart the entire universe. Thanks, 'Naughty But Saintly Teen-Agers'!. Fact: Teenagers have been breaking rules since the dawn of time. Some even flunked their driving tests on purpose just to get out of driving their parents around. How rebellious!.
- Headline: The Quest of the Military Robot. Impact: The exploitation of military robots in film led to a series of real-world robotic advancements, culminating in the creation of vacuum robots that are now terrorizing homes everywhere. Thanks a lot, Hollywood!. Fact: Did you know that military robots can be programmed to clean your house? Just kidding, they still can’t find the dust bunnies under your couch..
- Headline: East Harlem Schools' AIDS Education Model. Impact: This model for educating children about AIDS became a cornerstone for future public health initiatives, ultimately leading to the development of more comprehensive sex education programs. Who knew East Harlem would shape the future of sex ed?. Fact: Gladys Venegas not only saw the pain of AIDS but also the power of education. Just think, if only more schools had followed her example, we might have fewer 'what is a condom?' questions in health class..
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