Keener Today – May 26
Today in Detroit – May 26
- Today in 1967, The Wayne County AFL-CIO and a restauraunt union asked the Detroit Common Council to issue an ordinance to force Detroit drive-in restaurants and theaters to hire police to control “hot-rodders, riffians and trouble-makers”. The Drive-In Restaurant Owners Association attacked the idea during a public hearing, saying it violated the drive-in”s constitutional rights.
- Today in 1972, CBS was the only network not to have a talk show at 11:30. While Johnny was hosting Bill Dana and Barry Sullivan and Dick Cavett was in his ABC run with singer Melba Moore and actor Don Knotts, Channel two played the 1964 blockbuster “Becket”, with Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole, followed at 1:30am by the Bowery Boys 1951 outing, “Let’s Go Navy.”
- Today in 1977, Forced retirement ruffled the feathers of Kentucky Fried Chicken king Col. Harland Sanders. The 86 yrear old said, “I’m dead against it.” He testified along side actress Ruth Gordon and actor Will Geer before the House Select Committee on Aging, which was considering mandatory retirement ages for both government and business.
- Today in 1979, news outlets were reporting the worst air disaster in US history, after an American Airlines DC10 lost an engine and crashed moments after take-off, killing all 270 persons on board. The FAA grounded all DC-10s in June and the aircraft ceased production several years later, tainted by safety and fuel efficiency concerns.
- Today in 1982, The US House of Representatives voted down a balanced budget bill favored by President Ronald Reagan, saying the plan relied on phony numbers and overly optimistic estamates of economnic growth and tax receipts for 1983. The administration also asked congress to raise the national debt celing to $1.25 trillion dollars. The debt ceiling today is slightly below $31.4 trillion dollars.
- Today in 1987, with the words “Hot Weather Hit” printed in bold above the title, the film Ishtar, starring Dustin Hoffman and directed by Warren Beaty was showing at 12 dertroit area theaters. Apparently the rest of the theater going world disagreed with the one positive sentence lifted from Janet Maslin’s review in the New York Times. Ishtar is considered one of the worst movies ever made.
Keener Today – May 25
Today in Detroit
- Today in 1967, The Detroit Police Officers Association, in the midst of contract negations took out a quarter page ad in the city’s newspapers asking “How does it feel to be held up? Stick around and find out.” The ad went on to say that better police protection cost just four dollars per day per officer.
- Today in 1972, Warren city officials were taking heat for voting unanimously to double their pay, despite federal rules prohibiting large pay raises during President Nixon’s economic freeze. Mayor Ted bates said senior employees had not had a raise in 15 years with “70 employees making more than the mayor.” Bates said the increases would not go into effect until submitted to and approved by the Federal Pay board.
- Today in 1977, Detroit mourned the passing of commentator Lou Gordon who died the previous morning at age 60. A weekend fixture on Channel 50, Gordon, who considered himself “The people’s advocate.” rose to national prominence when former Michigan governor George Romney made the famous “Brain washing” statement on Gordon’s program that observers felt ended his political career.
- Today in 1979, Flint’s Star Theater announced it’s summer lineup, including Battlestar Galactica star Dirk Benedict in Oklahoma, Paul Lynde in Woody Allen’s Don’t Drink the Water and Ed Ames in Man of La Mancha. All Whiting Auditorium tickets cost $8.98.
- Today in 1982, General Motors announced an agreement to sell Japanese built Isuzu automobiles in the US. Chairman Roger Smith cited labor costs as a key factor in the decision.
- Today in 1987, some of the movies playing on the big screen in Detroit included the Jim Cash and Jack Epps, Jr. penned Secret of My Success, starring Michael J. Fox, Ernest Goes to Camp, starring Jim Varney and Meadowbrook Theater was promoting their summer line-up including America and Three Dog night.
Keener Today – May 24
On This Date In Detroit
- Today in 1967, Detroit mourned the passing of Oscar Webber, chairman of the company his uncle, J.L. Hudson, founded in 1881. The 78 year old Webber was associated with Hudson’s for 64 years and was the youngest of 4 brothers to inherit control when the founder died in 1912
- Today in 1972, Detroit Board of Education President James A. Hathaway echoed Superintendent Charles J. Wolfe’s recommendation to keep the city’s schools closed until November after to millage proposals two fund operations failed at the ballot box. The move would violate a state requirement that schools operate for at least 180 days each year. The Board voted to try again at the polls, placing the same proposals on the August primary ballot.
- Today in 1977, nearly 47 million Americans who used the standard income tax deduction got a tax cut when when President Carter signed legislation into law. In all, Americans would receive 33.7 billion dollars in tax savings over the next 28 months.
- Today in 1979, a gas station in Weekapaug, RI was selling gas for a quarter. The catch? The quarter had to be a silver coin minted prior to 1965. The rare coinage was trading at a 500% premium in 1979, the equivalent of $1.25 per gallon.
- Today in 1982, Cable Television companies in 16 Detroit area communities took out a half page newspaper ad touting pay-tv first run programming as an alternative to “a dreary summer of network reruns.” The ad promoted the films Stripes and The Four Seasons, a Sugar Ray Leonard title fight and Richard Harris’s King Arthur in Camelot.
- Today in 1987, Radio Shack was touting its Tandy 3000HL desktop XT computer with floppy disk and compatibility with forthcoming OS-2 software for $1,299 dollars. That’s over $3,300 in today’s dollars.
Keener Today – May 23
- Today in 1967, Detroit announced the formation of a 39-man brigade of “litter police” who would begin ticketing sanitation code viiolators on June 1. Fines as high as $500 dollars and 90 days in jail could be issued for serious litterbugs.
- Today in 1972, A 15-year-old Ann Arbor 9th grader is suing the state, calling a law that bars people under the age of 18 from running for public office discriminitory. Sonia Yaco, a member of the Human Right’s Party who had successfully fielded two council members was an Ann Arbor School Board hopeful.
- Today in 1977, over 40,000 people were nursing sunburns after showing up at Metropolitan Beach over the weekend. A heatwave that brought temperatures in the upper 80s drove more than 100,000 area residents to Metro Park beaches.
- Today in 1979, A scenario from a government study of the effects of nuclear war estimated 220,000 Detroiters would die instantly of an atom bomb was dropped at the Ford-Chrysler Freeway interchange. The 150 page study was conducted at the behest of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
- Today in 1982, At least a dozen law makers, including Governor Milliken and House Speaker Bobby Crim are among the list of lame duck public servants who will step down at the end of their next terms. The age old debate between loss of experienced legislators and the value of new political blood continued as a combination of the State’s financial misery and desire for higher public office motivated political vetrans to move onward.
- Today in 1987, Highland Appliance was advertising a Sanyo VHS VCR with 14 day scheduleing and a wireless remote control for the low, low price of $269.00. That’s over $800 dollars adjusted for inflation.
Keener Today – May 22
- Today in 1967, Grinnell’s was asdvertising a 7″, 19 transistor portable black and white television set with AC cord and earphone for just $124.95. A rechargable battery was optional.
- Today in 1972, The hit musical Purlie was in the midst of it’s Fisher Theater Run. Al Martino and Ella Fitzgerald were on the marquee at the Elmwood Casino in Windsor and The Godfather was on the big screen at the Americana, Macomb, Showcase Cinema, Southgate and the Terrace.
- Today in 1977, The Citizens Band Radio craze was in full swing in Detroit. Radio Shack was offering expanded 40 channel models starting at $79.95 and a converter so you could hear CB traffic on your car radio for just $19.95
- Today in 1979, A report from the Commerce Department said that Michigan Residents were in the top 5th of the nation when it came to income. The data revealed that Michiganders earned an average of $8,442 each. But the same report noted that inflation was taking a bite out of the 11% income increase year over year.
- Today in 1982, British troops stormed ashore on the Falkland Islands, establishing a beachhead on the territory Argentina had claimed as their won seven weeks earlier.
- Today in 1987, an offer of free season tickets for either the Pistons or the Red Wings lured 8 fugitives into the hands of police. A certificat from CAP productions reeled in the bad guys, who found themselves in handcuffs when they showed up to claimn their prizes.
Keener Today – May 21
- Today in 1967, Tickets went on sale for Frank Sinatra’s July 9th appearance at Cobo Hall. Backed by the Buddy Rich big band and supported by opening act, Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66, tickets for the one night only show cost $4.50, 5.50, 7.50 and $ 10 dollars.
- Today in 1972, An estimated 80,000 Detroiters turned out for the second annual drive to clean up 22 square miles of the city. Program coordinators hoped to fill 200,000 trash bags on the first day of the summer long drive to make Detroit a little more beautiful.
- Today in 1977, Detroit’s cost of living rose by 1.2% for the month. The annualized rate of 14.4% was nearly 50 percent higher than the predicted national average.
- Today in 1979, if you were born under the Gemini astrological sign, you were advised to “Cut loose from the past to build a strong foundation for future security.” New starts and contacts were favored. And the astrologers advised Gemini’s to be proud and not intimidated by members of the opposite sex.
- Today in 1982, The late Michigan football play-by-play commentator, Bob Ufer earned a spot in the Michigan Sports hall of fame for his prowes on the cinders. The 37 year broadcaster was an All American track star from 1939-1943, holding two worlds records. Ufer had passed away in October of 1981.
- Today in 1987, newspapers were reporting the American Motors Corporation approval of a merger with Chrysler Corporation at a stock price 0f $4.50 a share. AMC was formed by the merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company on May 1, 1954. At the time it was the biggest corporate merger in American history.
Keener Today – May 20
Today in 1968, WKNR-FM drops Top-40 to provide what the Inside Keener newsletter calls the first and foremost, truly authentic, progressive rock (underground) programming in the Metropolitan Detroit area.
- Today in 1967, The James Garner Formula One drama “Grand Prix” continued its Cinerama engagement at the Summit Theater. James Michener’s “Hawaii” had two shows at the United Artists on Bagley. And the reserved seat engagement of Julie Andrews as “Thoroughly Modern Millie” continued at the Northland Theater.
- Today in 1972, General Motors shareholders voted down a proposal by a group affiliated with social crusader Ralph nader to split the auto giant into tow or more companies. Only one percent of those in attendance voted in favor of the proposal.
- Today in 1977, Former President Richard Nixon told interviewer David Frost that a president had the right to crush anti-war dissent by any means short of murder, whether or not those means were legal. Asked for a reaction, President Jimmy Carter said he didn’t feel any president had the right to break the law.
- Today in 1979, The musical Grease, starring singer Rex Smith in the role John Travolta would make famous on screen was on stage at the Fisher theater for one week only. Prime time tickets were 8, 11 and 13 dollars.
- Today in 1982, Hudson’s was advertising a new video game system with a “bright and crisp color picture, realistic sound effects and no batteries required.” You could snag an Atari system and a free Atari jacket for just $139.99.
- Today in 1987, Detroit Police Commander, Gill Gil was greeted by fans before the Detroit premiere of Beverly Hills Cop II at Ford auditorium. Tickets were $50 with proceeds benefiting the Detroit Youth Foundation Scholarship Fund.
Keener Today – May 19
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- Today in 1967, Freda Payne was appearing at the Elmwood Casino in Windsor. A galaxy of stars were on deck at the Masonic Temple including Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke, James and Bobby Purify, Johnny Taylor, Joe Simon and Moms Mabley. And Adam West joined the Flying Wallendas at the Dobritch International Circus at the State Fair Coliseum. Tickets were 2, 3 and 4 dollars.
- Today in 1972, a stagnant airmass over the midewest caused extremely high levels of polution 8n Detroit, so much so that the Wayne County Polution Control Board recommended persons with respiratory diseases should avoid strenusous activity.
- Today in 1977, Hudsons was advertising Code-a-Phone, a device that could record messages from people who called your land-line telephone when you weren’t home. The device came with a beeper that could signal it from any phone to play the messages back.
- Today in 1979, CBS debuted an animated musical version of J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit. Orson Bean supplied the voice of Bilbo Baggins, John Houston voiced Gandalf.
- Today in 1982, Volkswagen announced price cuts on it’s popular Rabbit automobile. You could score the fuel efficiant German import for just $5,990.
Keener Today – May 18
- Today in 1967, Cecil B. DeMille’s Ten Commandments was back in Detroit Theater. Dr. Zhivago was in it’s 10th week at the Bloomfield Quo Vadis and the Northwest Woods.
- Today in 1972, Tonight on TV, Carole Burnett’s guests were Vincent Price and Eydie Gorme on CBS. And Tom and Eddie take up karate on the Courtship of Eddie’s father. Jac LeGoff and John Kelly were still anchoring the 6 and 11 on TV 2 with Bill Bonds in the anchor chair at Channel 7. They would all end up together at ABC soon after.
- Today in 1977, A study produced by 35 business, government and academic leaders predicted a world war by 1981 if oil shortage trends continued. Even concerted efforts to conserve energy would not be enough to keep supply and demand in balance by the year 2000, the survey warned.
- Today in 1979, A Zippo lighter stopped a bullet that was headed for Detroiter Easter Walk’s chest. the 61 year-old was arguing with an unidentified driver at a National Bank of Detroit branch when he pulle a knife, inspiring the driver to pull a small calibre handgun and fire. A bullet lodged in the lighter, splitting it in two. Walk was treated and released at Harper Hospital.
- Today in 1982, Baltimore Sun columnist Matt Seiden lamented the May 6 cancellation of CBS’ Mary Tyler Moore spinoff Lou Grant. “It won’t be easy,” he wrote. “It was one of the few TV shows that did not appear to have been written for morons, madmen or future sex-offenders.”
- Today in 1987, Michigan Bell was touting it’s national calling card. “Why search for dimes when you can charge calls to your home or office?” the newspaper ad asked. Long distance calls averaged 30 cents a minute in 1987, that’s $7.60 for a ten minute call to mom in today’s dollars.
Keener Today – May 15
- Today in 1967, House Judiciary Committee Chair, Emanuel Cellar cast doubt on Michigan Governor George Romney’s eligibility for the presidency. Romney was born in a Mormon community in Mexico, Cellar said and did not enter the States until the age of six.
- Today in 1972, Bonanza fans were mourning the death of Dan Blocker. The actor who played the amiable Hoss Cartwright died of a pulmonary embolism over the weekend.
- Today in 1977, National polls revealed that inflation had surpassed joblessness as the nation’s primary concern. The majority of Americans preferred government programs to create jobs over tax cuts.
- Today in 1979, In a proposal heavy with presidential politics, Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy proposed national health insurance for every American and challenged his likely competitor, former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter to support it.
- Today in 1982, American Motors pleaded with the United Auto Workers for contract concessions after members roundly rejected the financially strapped auto company’s latest offer. AMC said it would have to close plants and cut jobs if a more reasonable deal could not be reached.
- Today in 1987, Art Van furniture was advertising 1/2 off contemporary living room furniture with sofas on sale for $39 dollars.
Keener Today – May 14
- Today in 1967, Detroit Police Commissioner Ray Girardin announced extra academy classes to deal with a shortage of police officers. Girardin said the department was 455 men short of it’s 4,853 staffing goal.
- Today in 1972, Pundants predicted that George Wallace would dominate the Tuesday Michigan Presidential Priamary in the wake of anger about cross-district bussing and a general distate for politicians. “Every dog has it’s day,” Wallace told an Upper Peninsula crowd. “And you’re having yours.”
- Today in 1977, “The Blackboard Flu” closed all Romulus schools in the wake of a breakdown in contract negotioations. Teachers unions were prohibited from striking but sick-outs had become common in Detroit area school districts including Dearborn Heights and Redford Township.
- Today in 1979, Gas shortages spread in Northern California as the fuel crisis deepened. Michigan supplies remained steady.
- Today in 1982, The United Auto Workers announced their intention to attempt to unionize General Motors white colar employes. Much of the impetus for the campaign came from disgruntled GM junior executives, UAW VP Martin Gerber said.
- Today in 1987, The Michigan House approved raising the speed limit on rural interstate highways to 65 miles per hour but ruled out a proposed band on radar detectors. Governor Jim Blanchard has vowed to veto any speed increase that doesn’t contain a ban on “Fuzz Busters.”
Our Love Affair With the Transistor Radio
Once upon a time, radios were huge. They were built into rich, wooden consoles and had a plethora of bands to choose from. Some manufacturers included buttons with the names of the super power stations that covered multiple states. Those were the days when radio was what Television became, an appointment experience where you gave it your undivided attention.
As TV forced radio to rethink its business model music became central to the content strategy. Before consolidation gutted the creativity and competition within the industry, it was a daily fight for audience share. And when the first radios started to appear as standard equipment in automobiles, carefully positioned news, traffic and weather became a staple. Continue reading “Our Love Affair With the Transistor Radio”
