Sure Things

In 1978-79, Hillary Clinton parlayed $1,000 into nearly $100,000 in the volatile commodities markets -- almost a whopping 10,000% return in just 10 months. Unlikely? Here are some comparably prescient, though longer-term investments:

Investment March 1994 Value Return

$1,000 in Compaq Computer $58,428 5,743%

stock (at $1.75 a share in

1984, a historic low)

$1,000 in Microsoft stock $35,839 3,484%

(at $21 a share in 1986,

when first issued)

$1,000 in musical $2.5 million 249,900%

Oklahoma! (produced (total returns)

in 1943)

$1,000 in musical Cats $50,000 4,900%

(produced in 1981) (total returns)

$55,000 for Cobweb Tiffany $717,500 1,205%

lamp (actual purchase (price at Christie's

in 1979 by Barbra auction)

Streisand)

$2.99 for an original Barbie $4,500 (mint, in box) 150,402%

doll (1959)