Inventions & Breakthroughs of August 1989
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
World Wide Web Concept
2 
Portable Digital Assistant Concept
3 
Flash Memory
4 
Digital Mobile Phone Networks
5 
Medical Robotic Surgery Concept
6 
High-Definition Television (HDTV)
7 
Computer-Aided Geographic Information Systems
8 
Electronic Music Workstation
9 
Satellite Internet Concept
10 
Reusable Rocket Booster Studies
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON August 10, 1989
Full News Archive
- Headline: Historic Ball Revives 1840s Elegance. Impact: The ball on July 29 sparked a fashion revolution that led to the 1840's dress becoming a staple in future costume parties. Fast forward to today, and we have people dressing as historical figures at every lame party, all because of one extravagant evening. You're welcome, future generations!. Fact: Did you know that 'costumed guests' in 1840s America meant a lot of questionable fashion choices? Think about it: crinolines and top hats everywhere. No wonder they needed flaming torches to distract from the outfits!.
- Headline: BMW Leadership Change and Market Strategy. Impact: Karl Gerling's appointment at BMW set off a chain reaction that eventually led to a global obsession with luxury cars. This obsession has resulted in today's ridiculous traffic jams where everyone thinks they need to show off their fancy wheels. Thanks, Karl!. Fact: Did you know that BMW stands for Bavarian Motor Works? So, when they say they’re holding market share, they mean they’re hoarding it like a Bavarian hoards pretzels at Oktoberfest!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1989, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1989
$0.28
2025 dataset value
$971,793
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1989, it would be worth $971,793 today (971.8x return)
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1989
$0.23
2025 dataset value
$2,127,569
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1989, it would be worth $2,127,569 today (2127.6x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Sandman #1
$300
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #1
$35.00
The New Warriors #1
$50
Amazing Spider-Man #316
$30
The Punisher War Journal #7
$40
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Game Boy
$540.00
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
$300.00
Polly Pocket
$150.00
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
$300.00
Ghostbusters Proton Pack
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Tetris
$200.00
SimCity
$10.77
Prince of Persia
$150.00
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
$781.00
Golden Axe
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card
$2,726
Michael Jordan Hoops Card
$250,000
Barry Sanders Rookie Card
$6,000
Randy Johnson Rookie Card (Marlboro Ad)
$70.00
John Stockton Hoops Rookie Card
$500