Inventions & Breakthroughs of December 1991
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Linux Operating System
2 
Web Browser (WorldWideWeb)
3 
Flash Animation Concept
4 
Digital Camera (Consumer)
5 
Wi-Fi Networking Concept
6 
Portable MP3 Player Concept
7 
USB Interface Concept
8 
Medical Robotic Surgery Prototype
9 
Voice Recognition Software
10 
High-Speed Modem (56k)
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 13, 1991
Full News Archive
- Headline: Private Eye Film Review: Tough Guy Tribute. Impact: The demolition derby of filmmaking led to a sudden surge in stunt doubles, which eventually resulted in the creation of a new Olympic sport: Extreme Movie Stunts. Imagine watching your favorite actors bouncing off cars for medals!. Fact: Did you know that 'Private Eye On the Skids' was actually a secret recruitment tool for future demolition derby drivers? Hollywood was just a cover!.
- Headline: Revived New Jersey Real Estate Projects. Impact: The revival of these modest housing projects created an unforeseen housing boom, which ultimately contributed to the rise of tiny home enthusiasts. Who knew that a 1980s project could lead to a new generation of people living in shoeboxes?. Fact: Fun fact: the phrase 'modestly priced' in real estate is often code for 'bring your own shovels and hope for the best.'.
- Headline: Gangster Visionary: Hollywood to Vegas. Impact: The gangster's journey from crime to Hollywood inspired countless aspiring criminals to pursue careers in film instead of felonies, leading to the golden age of mob movies and a serious uptick in Italian restaurants across America. Thanks, Hollywood!. Fact: You might think the mob brought fear to Hollywood, but it was actually just their love for pasta that changed the industry forever..
- Headline: Court Backs Telescopes Despite Peril to Squirrel. Impact: The court's ruling on the observatory led to a bizarre trend where nature and technology began to intertwine, culminating in the rise of 'Squirrel Watch' apps that attract more people to the outdoors than ever before. Because who doesn't want to watch a squirrel in HD?. Fact: Did you know that the Mount Graham red squirrel is now a certified Instagram influencer? Watch out, Kardashians!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1991, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1991
$0.31
2025 dataset value
$882,251
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1991, it would be worth $882,251 today (882.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
X-Men #1
$300,000
The Infinity Gauntlet #1
$35
Spawn #1
$60
Sandman #19
$150
Spider-Man #1
$25,000
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Super Soaker 50
$350.00
Pogs
$25.00
Terminator 2 Action Figures
$3000.00
Nerf Bow 'n' Arrow
$150.00
Game Boy (Color Variants)
$250.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Sonic the Hedgehog
$39.50
Street Fighter II
$1,830.00
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
$200.00
Super Mario World
$579.99
Final Fantasy IV
$350.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Michael Jordan Upper Deck #SP1
$710.00
Ken Griffey Jr. Donruss Elite #/10000
$1,675
Brett Hull Upper Deck #AW1 (Award Winner)
$3,000
Chipper Jones Topps #333
$250,000
Magic the Gathering 1991 Alpha Black Lotus
$30,000