Keener 13

Today in history:

In 1913 1st US presidential press conference was held by Woodrow Wilson.
In 1956 Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s musical “My Fair Lady”, starring Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews, and Stanley Holloway, opens opens in New York for 2,715 performances, winning 6 Tony Awards.
In 1968 LIFE magazine calls Jimi Hendrix “most spectacular guitarist in the world.”
In 1972 “The Godfather”, premieres in NYC. It will win the Best Picture Academy Award in 1973.

Todays Birthdays include:
The late Former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was born today in 1933.
Actor Judd Hirsh is 89 today.
Beach Boy Mike Love is 83.
Sylvester Stewart, better known as Sly of the Family Stone is 80.
Blues Guitarist Ry Cooder is 76.
and American Housewife Eva Lonogoria is 49. Continue reading “Keener Today – March 15” →

Things to do in Detroit this weekend: (Visit Detroit)

• Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos – The 11th edition of ‘Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos’ features 13 beautiful ofrendas created by local artists and community members. This annual exhibition offers a unique opportunity to connect with the customs of honoring the departed and participate in a collective act of remembrance.
• Take a Haunted Tour – Detroit has a wide variety of paranormal tour activities, catering to both experienced enthusiasts and families. .
• Honest John’s Side Lot Cider Mill Visit the side lot beside Honest John’s to enhance your October weekends.
  From 10 am to 5 pm, enjoy fall treats like cider, donuts, drinks, and games in a lively autumn atmosphere.
• Halloween Science – Head to the Cranbrook Institute of Science for Halloween Science fun. The whole family can engage in Halloween-themed activities, watch pumpkins launched from a three-ton trebuchet, and experience a 1,000,000-volt Tesla coil demonstration in the auditorium. Costumes are welcome!

Notable:

Jan Crave is our Keener Word of the Day – Happy Birthday, Jan!

Electric “air taxis” are poised to revolutionize commuting in New York and Los Angeles. Gleaming new Delta Air Lines terminals in these major cities plan to introduce convenient “vertiports” for passengers utilizing electric air taxis. This innovation aims to address the often arduous journey to the airport, whisking customers above congested roadways, saving time and offering quieter, more eco-friendly transportation. The success of flying taxis will hinge on FAA approvals, production scaling, and cost considerations.(Axios)

Is 98.6 still normal? Keith’s one-hit-wonder celebrates a 150 year old paradigm about body temperature. New research says we may be running a lot cooler. (NYT)

Are we too available to our kids? That’s what one mom started wondering after her 13-year-old son tracked her down at her exercise class with a request. Doctor Becky Kennedy, who studies these things said recently, “Our phones rob us of our feeling of enoughness,” she told the audience. They make us feel like there’s always something more satisfying that we could be doing.” (The Cut)

Netflix’s campaign to crack down on password-sharing appears to be yielding results, as indicated by the latest earnings report. The streaming giant exceeded Wall Street expectations by adding nearly 9 million new subscribers worldwide and generating $8.5 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2023, an almost 8 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Today in History:

1954 – The musical “Peter Pan” starring Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard, opened at New York’s Winter Garden Theater for a planned limited run of 152 performances.

1955 – Elvis Presley, Bill Haley, The Four Lads and Pat Boone appear together in concert at the Brooklyn High School auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio.

1955 – Harry Belafonte records a traditional Jamaican Folk tune called “The Banana Boat Song” (“Day-O”). It reached #5 in the US in early 1957 and later became Belafonte’s signature song.

1955 – “No Time for Sergeants,” starring Andy Griffith, opened at New York’s Alvin Theatre for 796 performances. Don Knotts also made his Broadway debut in the play.

1957 – The documentary series “The 20th Century,” hosted by newsman Walter Cronkite, began its 12-year, 2½-month run on CBS-TV.

1961 – Bob Dylan began two days of recording for his self-titled debut album. The cost to produce the sessions was $400.

1962 – “The Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, reached the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart. This novelty song, which was recorded in less than two hours, has now become an annual favorite.

1963 – 2.5 million Keener lucky matchbooks are distributed through 100 Detroit area Cunningham Drug Stores.

1965 – At EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London, the Beatles recorded “We Can Work It Out.”

1968 – Former U.S. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy married shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. They remained together until his death in 1975.

1969 – The Who performed their new rock opera “Tommy” in its entirety during the first night of a six-night run at New York’s Fillmore East.

1973 – The Rolling Stones had the number one song in the US with “Angie”. It made #5 in the UK. It is often reported that the song was written about David Bowie’s wife at the time, the former Angela Barnett, but many reliable sources say that the song is really about Anita Pallenberg, the long-time love of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

1976 – Led Zeppelin’s film, The Song Remains the Same, a mixture of concert footage and fantasy sequences, premieres at Cinema I in New York.

1977 – Three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, die in a plane crash. Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, his sister Cassie Gaines (one of three backing singers) and manager Dean Kilpatrick were killed en route from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The remaining members, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Billy Powell and Leon Wilkeson were seriously injured, but all recovered. The band was finished for ten years, until the survivors invited Ronnie’s younger brother Johnny to join them in a reunion concert.

1978 – The Police made their U.S. performance debut in New York City at CBGB’s. They flew from the UK on low-cost tickets with Laker Airtrain and carried their instruments as hand luggage.

1979 – Herb Alpert, who led his Tijuana Brass on seventeen instrumental chart hits in the mid 1960s, reached number one in the US with a dance tune called “Rise”. IThe song will win a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.

1980 – At Soundcastle Studio in Hollywood, Juice Newton recorded “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known).”

2001 – An all-star lineup including David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Elton John and The Who appear at The Concert For New York City at Madison Square Garden in a five hour show to benefit the victims of the 9/11 attack.

2014 – Cat Stevens first album in five years, “Tell ‘Em I’m Gone”, began streaming on www.NPR.org. The LP was supported by a six-date tour beginning in December, his first string of North American dates in 35 years.

Singles Released Today:
1962 – Four Seasons – “Big Girls Don’t Cry”
1972 – Focus – “Hocus Pocus”
1973 – Steve Miller Band – “The Joker”
1978 – Talking Heads – “Take Me To The River”
1980 – John Lennon – “(Just Like) Starting Over”

Today’s Birthdays:

1927 – Joyce Brothers, American pop psychologist ($64,000 Question, Naked Gun), born in NYC, New York (d. 2013)
1931 – Mickey Mantle, American Baseball HOF outfielder (1956 Triple Crown; 20 x MLB All Star; 7 × World Series; 3 × AL MVP; NY Yankees), born in Spavinaw, Oklahoma (d. 1995)
1932 – William Christopher, American comedian and actor (M*A*S*H & AfterMASH – “Father Mulcahy”), born in Evanston, Illinois (d. 2016)
1935 – Jerry Orbach, American actor (Law & Order, Dirty Dancing), born in The Bronx, New York (d. 2004)
1937 – Wanda Jackson (age 86) – (“In The Middle Of A Heartache”)
1939 – Jay Siegel (age 84) – lead singer of The Tokens (“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”)
1945 – Ric Lee (age 78) – drummer for Ten Years After (“Spider In My Web”)
1951 – Al Greenwood (age 72) – keyboardist for Foreigner (“Waiting For A Girl Like You”)
1953 – Tom Petty (“Don’t Do Me Like That”) (d. 2017)
1958 – Viggo Mortensen (age 63), American Actor (Lord of the Rings, The Road), born in NYC, New York.
1964 – Vice President Kamala Harris (age 59), American lawyer, politician and 49th Vice President of the United States (2021-) who was the 1st African-American, Asian-American attorney general of California, born in Oakland, California
1968 – Sunny Hostin (age 55), American lawyer, journalist and TV host (The View), born in New York City.
1971 – Snoop Dogg (age 52), Rapper, entrepreneur (“What’s My Name”; “Drop It Like It’s Hot”), born in Long Beach, California.
1979- John Krasinski (age 44), Actor, director and producer (The Office, A Quiet Place), born in Boston, Massachusetts.

More households own stock than ever before – It’s a distinctive characteristic of American capitalism, differentiating us from other major advanced nations, according to Axios Markets’ Matt Phillips. The Federal Reserve’s triennial Survey of Consumer Finances for 2022 revealed that approximately 58% of American households held stocks, whether directly or indirectly through investment accounts, surpassing the previous peak of 53% during the dot-com era and prior to the Global Financial Crisis. Notably, the surge in direct ownership of individual shares, rising from 15% to 21% between 2019 and 2022, played a pivotal role, attributed partly to changes in American behavior influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many turning to the stock market as an alternative to sports gambling. This shift was further propelled by user-friendly smartphone apps like Robinhood, making retail stock trading a prominent cultural phenomenon, exemplified by the GameStop frenzy in January 2021. (Axios)

Notable:

The Las Vegas Aces win two WNBA Championship in a row – WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson expressed her satisfaction in silencing critics as her Las Vegas Aces secured their second consecutive championship victory by narrowly defeating the New York Liberty 70-69 in Game 4 held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Wilson’s exceptional performance of 24 points and 16 rebounds was instrumental in the Aces’ comeback from a 12-point deficit against New York in a thrilling matchup of “superteams,” as reported by Reuters. Addressing reporters, Wilson emphasized the significance of this win, stating, “To be up here – this one was special because so many people counted us out. A lot of people counted us out… a lot of people in here said Liberty in five. We read it, we see it and it fueled us. So thank you! That says a lot about us. We came ready to play.” (WNBA)

Catalytic converter theft is up 1,215% since 2019, says the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Thieves target them for pricey metals. To protect your car: Park securely, use lighting and cameras. Paint or engrave your converter. Get an alarm or anti-theft device from your mechanic. (NBA) Continue reading “Keener Today – October 19” →

Today in 1968, The Bee Gees’ “Massachusetts” reaches No.1, their first of five No.1 hits.”Massachusetts” was written by the Gibb brothers in New York City during a US tour and originally intended for The Seekers, an Australian folk act. Bee Gees recorded the song themselves when they couldn’t reach The Seekers, even though they had never been to Massachusetts; they liked the name.The original Bee Gees also included Vince Melouney on rhythm guitar and Colin Petersen on drums.

Notable:

Who has the best Mac n cheese? Bon Appétit conducted a rigorous blind taste test. Eight brands of boxed mac and cheese were subjected to scrutiny, judging factors like sauce consistency, noodle texture, and overall appeal. Ultimately, Annie’s Shells and Real Aged Cheddar beat out old favorites like Kraft and Cheetos, charming tasters with its delightful shells, rich, sharp cheddar sauce, and perfectly creamy consistency. (Bon Appétit)

Looking for Halloween themed bar action in metro Detroit? We’ve got some enchantingly diverse suggestions – At Halloweiss by Weiss Distilling Co., ghoulish bartenders craft concoctions within a haunt of monsters and ravens. If you’re in the mood for movie-themed trivia, Five15 Royal Oak offers Halloween and Hocus Pocus-themed challenges paired with adult frappés and spiked cocoa. For a dose of horror movie trivia and themed drinks, Dragon’s Landing in St. Clair Shores is the place to be on October 24. Hamtramck’s Black Salt, the city’s sole “witchcraft cocktail bar,” hosts rituals for the Celtic festival of Samhain, while Abick’s Bar in Southwest Detroit offers private psychic readings and spiritual workshops. The Horrorween Bar Crawl, hitting bars in Greektown and beyond, promises spooky fun with food and drink specials. Canine to Five brings adorable costume contests to Marble Bar, while a Rock & Roll Horror Show at Cadieux Cafe raises funds for WDET, Detroit’s NPR station. At Small’s, the Thirst Wave + Industrial Is Not Dead Halloween Bash is your retro music haven with costume contests and cash prizes. Ferndale Halloween market offers shopping delights at Urbanrest Brewing Company, and Whiskey in the Jar beckons you to Hallowhiskey for a night of raucous partying. The Unity Fund Halloween Bash supports LGBTQ+ political candidates, while Birmingham’s Daxton Hotel hosts a formal masquerade. For a magical touch, visit the Witching Hours Magic Tea Party at the New Dodge Lounge, featuring traditional English tea, tarot readings, and a costume competition. Detroit’s Halloween bars are brewing up the perfect concoction of scares and delights for the spookiest season of the year. (Detroit Eater)

The Firefox browser will soon be able to detect fake news. The company has acquired Fakespot, a startup that specializes in detecting fake online reviews. The newly integrated ‘Review Checker’ feature in Firefox uses an A-to-F scale to rate the reliability of product reviews on sites like Amazon, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Walmart, and eBay. (Mashable)

Factoid: Worldwide, there are nearly 600,000 individuals aged 100 or older, most of whom claim not to know the secret to reaching such an age. However, if you aim to surpass 100, their unanimous advice is to avoid attempting to extinguish 100 birthday candles.

Did you know: Six US locations made the cut In a recent survey of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. Here’s the entire list. (Timeout)

Selected taxpayers across 13 states will get to try out the agency’s pilot electronic free file tax return system beginning in January. – The IRS says Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers are expected to participate in this program for the 2024 filing season. This move has raised concerns from private tax preparation companies that have profited from charging users for their software, potentially disrupting the industry. The IRS aims to roll out the program incrementally, drawing on data from the pilot to determine its effectiveness. While the pilot initially covers individual federal tax returns and not state returns, there are plans to integrate state taxes in the future. Eligibility for the pilot program will be determined based on income, tax credits, and deductions, and further details will be released in January. (Detroit News) Continue reading “Keener Today – October 18” →

Today in 1950, C.S. Lewis published “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” The first book in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series became a timeless classic has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages for over half a century and spawned a successful Disney film version in 2005. Beneath the surface lies a profound exploration of themes like morality, redemption, courage, and the battle between right and wrong. Children have been captivated by the magical world and adventures, while adults appreciate the profound themes and moral lessons. We’ve returned to the story again and again over a lifetime.

Notable:

Remembering Suzanne Somers – Suzanne Somers, known for her iconic portrayal of Chrissy Snow in “Three’s Company” and later for her successful health and diet business empire, has passed away at 76. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years, according to her publicist. Her career took a memorable turn during contract negotiations in 1980 when she advocated for equal pay with her male co-star, John Ritter, leading to her dismissal from the show. Despite this setback, she continued to make her mark in the entertainment industry with numerous film, TV, and talk show appearances. She and her husband, Alan Hamel, transformed the ThighMaster into an iconic product through infomercials, amassing hundreds of millions in sales. She was also an accomplished author, with over 25 books to her name, many became bestsellers, focusing on themes related to the human body and aging. While some of her medical approaches faced controversy, her overarching message of sex positivity and its connection to overall well-being remains a significant part of her legacy Continue reading “Keener Today – October 16” →

On October 15, 1960, the Detroit Auto Show opened at Cobo Hall – the first time it was held in the location where it remains today. Here’s the backstory. In 1899, Detroit saw its first car exhibition featuring electric and steam-powered cars alongside sporting goods. Organized by the Tri-State Automobile and Sporting Goods Association, it continued until 1907, when the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association (DADA) took over. The DADA’s December 1907 event was held at a beer garden near the Belle Isle Bridge, and it grew over the years, changing locations until it found a permanent home at Cobo Hall in 1965. In 1989, it became the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This two-week show attracts over 6,000 journalists from 60+ countries and more than 800,000 visitors. Its black-tie charity preview, held since 1976, has raised over $112 million for local children’s charities, making it the most successful annual fundraiser in the nation. Today, the NAIAS showcases 700+ vehicles, including new models and concept cars. Constructing the elaborate displays and installing 75,000 yards of carpet takes about 10 weeks, and the event consumes enough electricity to power 180 homes for a year. Starting in 2020, the DADA decided to move the show to spring to increase attendance and offer more outdoor exhibits and activities.

Notable:

On October 15, 1951, television history was made when “I Love Lucy” made its debut on CBS. It was one of the first TV shows to portray an interracial couple, with the fiery redhead Lucy married to the Cuban bandleader Ricky. Lucille Ball’s comedic timing and physical humor made her an instant sensation, while Desi Arnaz’s charming portrayal of Ricky earned him a permanent place in the hearts of viewers. Brilliant writing and an unforgettable supporting cast, including Vivian Vance and William Frawley as the Mertzes, contributed to the show’s immense popularity. The show won numerous awards and became a cultural phenomenon during its six-season run. Even after its conclusion, “I Love Lucy” has continued to captivate audiences through reruns, cementing its status as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

In a recent episode of his “McCartney: A Life in Lyrics” podcast, Paul reminisced about a significant period in the Beatles’ history when John Lennon invited his wife, Yoko Ono, into the studio. Yoko’s presence during recording sessions disrupted the Beatles’ established working methods. Paul attributed the Beatle breakup to John’s desire for a new life with Yoko. Despite the complexities and challenges, McCartney continues to reflect fondly on his late friend John Lennon, commemorating him on what would have been his 83rd birthday earlier in the week. John Lennon’s legacy remains a significant part of the Beatles’ and music history. (People)

Two weeks after it’s official opening on October 1, 1971, Life Magazine put Walt Disney World on it’s cover. The grand opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, was a spectacular affair. Roy O. Disney, Walt’s brother, dedicated the resort to his brother’s memory, ensuring that the dream they had both shared would become a reality. With its sprawling Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian Village Resort, and Fort Wilderness, the opening marked the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. Walt Disney’s vision for a place where dreams come true had already materialized with the opening of Disneyland in California. However, he yearned to create something grander, more enchanting, and truly immersive. Florida’s vast landscape presented an opportunity, and so, the idea for Walt Disney World was born.

For the rich and famous, servants are out and “experts” are in. The trend includes everything from the use of personal chemists, private doctors, dietitians, and wellness practitioners to help extend their lives, and even matchmakers to ensure they have high-IQ partners. Experts also help in selecting the right furnishings, cars, and even art for affluent homes. (WaPost) Continue reading “Keener Today – October 15” →