Keener Today – May 19

Did you know:
Zak Starkey, is out again. The Who proves once more that they are the most dysfunctional family in Rock and Role, firing their longtime drummer and son of Ringo Starr for a second time, just two weeks after being reinstated by the band. Though asked to claim he quit voluntarily, Starkey refused, saying he would never walk away from a band he loves. Pete Townshend confirmed the change via Instagram, announcing Scott Devours as the new drummer for The Who’s farewell tour.
George Clooney’s Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck has recouped its full $9.5 million production cost just seven weeks after opening. Adapted from the 2005 film he co-wrote with Grant Heslov, the play has broken records as the highest-grossing play in Broadway history and the first to surpass $4 million in ticket sales in a single week. On Broadway, Clooney plays journalist Edward R. Murrow. He portrayed Murrow’s collaborator Fred Friendly in the movie. David Strathairn starred as Murrow on screen.
Today in History:
1962 – Less than three months before her death, Marilyn Monroe made one of her final public appearances at President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday celebration. She famously sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” in a skintight, rhinestone-covered gown that was so tight she had to be sewn into it.
1969 – The Beatles’ single “Get Back” was certified Gold by the RIAA. The song, featuring Billy Preston on keyboards, reached No. 1 in the U.S. within a week and became one of the band’s final chart-topping hits.
1973 – Stevie Wonder hit No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” a tribute to his then-wife Syreeta Wright. It earned him the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and cemented his rise in the post-Motown era.
1973 – Paul Simon released “Kodachrome,” a vibrant, nostalgic single referencing Kodak’s famous film brand. Ironically, the song was banned in some countries, like the U.K., due to its trademarked title.
1978 – Dire Straits released their first major-label single, “Sultans of Swing,” a track recorded on a shoestring budget of just £120. The song’s clean, fingerpicked guitar tone became a hallmark of Mark Knopfler’s style and helped the band break into international fame.
1979 – Supertramp reached No. 1 on the U.S. album chart with Breakfast in America, their only American chart-topper. The album sold over 20 million copies worldwide and became a cornerstone of late ’70s progressive pop.
1990 – Madonna began a three-week run at No. 1 in the U.S. with “Vogue,” a song originally intended as a B-side. The hit popularized the underground “voguing” dance movement and remains one of her most iconic tracks.
1998 – Sonny and Cher were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, commemorating their cultural impact as a musical and television duo. It was awarded posthumously to Sonny Bono, who had tragically died in a skiing accident earlier that year.
Today’s Birthdays:
- Malcom X was born Malcom Little on this date in 1925. (d. 1985)
- Jim Lehrer, American television news anchor (McNeil-Lehrer Report/PBS Newshour, 1975-2011), and novelist, born in Wichita, Kansas today in 1934. (d. 2020)
- Former Good Morning America host, David Hartman is 90.
- Actress Nancy Kwan (Flower Drum Song, World of Suzie Wong) is 86.
- Director Nora Ephron was born today in 1941 (d. 2012)
- Andre the Giant was born today in 1946. (d. 1993)
- Pete Townshend is 80.
- Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca in Star Wars) was born today in 1944. (d. 2019)
- Grace Jones is 77.
- Tom Scott, American session and jazz-fusion saxophonist and composer (L.A. Express; The Blues Brothers; Paul McCartney – “Listen to What the Man Said”) is 77.
- Michael Che is 42.
Happening Today:
- Lincoln Street Art Park – Detroit: Explore murals and sculpture installations made from salvaged materials. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Street_Art_Park
- Learn to Ride a Bike – Lexus Velodrome, Detroit: Free cycling lessons for Detroit kids 17 and under. https://lexusvelodrome.com/events/category/free-kid-programs/day/2025-05-19
- AARP Disrupt Aging Book Club (Virtual): Virtual book discussion on Recipe for a Perfect Wife by Karma Brown, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM. https://www.metrodetroittoday.com/news/community/aarp-michigan-announces-free-events-for-may-2025
- Free Virtual Session: Why Teach? Pathways to Teaching: 30-minute online career workshop, 12:00 PM. https://events.umich.edu/day/2025-05-19
- Car Seat Inspection – Jackson Fire Department: Free safety check, 1:00–3:00 PM at 518 N. Jackson St., Jackson, MI. https://jtv.tv/events-of-monday-may-19-2025
- Heritage Park – Taylor: Walk trails and explore historic grounds; free guided tours available. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage_Park_(Taylor,_Michigan)
Keener Today – May 18
Forget your algorithmically curated playlists, your anodyne audio streams. Let’s rewind the psychic tape to a time when the WKNR Music Guide chronicled something raw, something immediate, something that felt like the whole damn world was shifting on its axis. The week ending May 16, 1966 wasn’t just a list of songs; it was a cultural seismograph. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 18” →
Keener Today – May 15

The Detroit Public Schools will invest over $32 million in major upgrades, including turning the long-abandoned Cooley High into a community sports complex and moving Davis Aerospace High back to Detroit City Airport. Projects wrap by 2027. The move back to City Airport will expand the aviation and engineering curriculum to include hands-on training and double the school’s enrollment to 200 students. The project is spearheaded by Launched the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation, Michigan’s largest public school foundation. For more information, visit dpscdfoundation.org. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 15” →
Keener Today – May 14
Rugs for men are cool again: Toupees, now called “hair systems,” are making a comeback among millennial men due to advancements in materials and craftsmanship. Social media platforms showcase the transformative power of hair systems, leading to an increase in demand for non-surgical hair loss solutions. While some men choose to keep their hair systems a secret, others advocate for transparency, viewing them as a confidence-boosting accessory akin to hair extensions for women
More: https://www.gq.com/story/toupee-comeback-trend-hair-system
With Memorial Day travel predicted to be a record setter….
Wondering if your hotel room is really clean? Here’s what to check.
- Look for stains or creases on sheets—signs bedding may not be fresh.
- Check for bed bugs: red or black specks on the mattress are a warning.
- Mold, musty smells, or damp rugs can signal long-term neglect.
- Smudges on remotes, light switches, and door handles mean germs.
- Peek behind furniture for hidden dust and grime.
- Dirty lobbies or trash outside? Could reflect overall cleanliness.
- Read recent online reviews before booking to avoid unpleasant surprises.
More: https://dailypassport.com/how-to-tell-if-hotel-room-is-clean/
AI Legos: Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed LegoGPT, an AI model that generates physically stable Lego structures from text prompts. The model, trained on a dataset of over 47,000 stable Lego designs, uses a physics-aware rollback method to ensure designs can be built in real life. LegoGPT outperforms other 3D-generation models in terms of structural integrity and can be used with robotic assistance or by hand.
More: https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/05/new-ai-model-generates-buildable-lego-creations-from-text-descriptions/
Who is the most popular Topps Trading card star? Pope Leo XIV’s Topps Now trading card set sold 133,535 units, setting a record for non-sports cards. This surpasses sales of cards commemorating LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama’s achievements.
More: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/13/pope-leo-xiv-trading-card-topps-record
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky is leading a $200 million reinvention of the company, transforming it from a vacation rental platform into an all-in-one “everything app.” Inspired by the OpenAI leadership drama in late 2023, Chesky envisioned a broader platform offering services like personal training, photography, spa treatments, and curated local experiences in over 260 cities. The app is being redesigned for frequent use and deeper personalization, with a focus on identity verification and community connection. Chesky, drawing inspiration from Apple and working with designer Jony Ive, aims to make Airbnb a trusted hub for both services and social connection—essentially a digital passport for real-life engagement.
More: https://www.wired.com/story/airbnb-is-in-midlife-crisis-mode-reinvention-app-services/
Today in History:
- 1957 – Elvis Presley was hospitalized in Los Angeles after accidentally inhaling a porcelain tooth cap. The cap became lodged in one of his lungs, requiring urgent medical attention.
- 1964 – Billboard announced that London Records would launch a major campaign for the Rolling Stones. The British band had just released their hit single “Not Fade Away” and debut album The Rolling Stones.
- 1968 – John Lennon and Paul McCartney appeared on The Tonight Show, guest-hosted by Joe Garagiola. They discussed meditation, Apple Corps., and their songwriting process with light-hearted banter.
- 1977 – Talking Heads performed at The Rock Garden in London during their U.K. tour. Brian Eno was in the audience and later became their producer after the show.
- 1988 – Led Zeppelin reunited at Madison Square Garden for Atlantic Records’ 40th anniversary, with Jason Bonham on drums. The event also featured performances by Foreigner, Genesis, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
- 1998 – Frank Sinatra died at age 82 in Los Angeles after a heart attack. Known for his timeless voice and acting roles, he left behind a legendary legacy spanning music, film, and culture.
Today’s Birthdays:
- Bobby Darin was born on this day in 1936.
- Jack Bruce, bassist for Cream, was born on this day in 1943.
- Derek Leckenby, lead guitarist for Herman’s Hermits, was born on this day in 1943.
- George Lucas, is 81.
- David Byrne is 73.
- Tom Cochrane (“Life Is A Highway”) is 72.
- Cate Blanchett is 56
- Sofia Coppola is 54.
- Mark Zuckerberg is 41.
Keener Today – May 13
Belle Isle’s 100-year-old fountain is closing until 2027 for $6 million in renovations, starting this week. The upgrades include removing the lower section’s marble and fixing its 510 foot lower bowl. Federal pandemic relief funds will pay for the work.If you spend lots of WiFi tine at local Detroit coffee shops, you may soon be rethinking your habit. Some bistros are limiting laptop use to reduce remote work and boost customer turnover. Owners say it protects their business and encourages more face to face interaction. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 13” →
Keener Today – May 12
The Detroit Times, founded in 1871, was a prominent daily newspaper in the Motor City. Known for its investigative journalism and coverage of local events, it quickly became a staple for Detroit’s working-class readers. After a long run, it merged with the Detroit News in 1960, marking the end of an era for the city’s newspaper landscape. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 12” →
Keener Today – May 10 – The Mystic Minstrel Turns 79
On a spring morning in 1966, a slender young man with a soft brogue and an acoustic guitar walked into a London studio and recorded a song that would, with time, become something like an incantation. “Sunshine came softly through my window today,” he sang, in a lilting voice that seemed to smile even as it drifted. The man was Donovan Leitch—born in Glasgow, raised in Hertfordshire—and the song was “Sunshine Superman,” a curious and charismatic fusion of folk whimsy and electric ambition. Nearly six decades later, on the occasion of Donovan’s seventy-ninth birthday, that same spectral tone continues to reverberate, a sound at once utterly of its moment and somehow outside of time. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 10 – The Mystic Minstrel Turns 79” →
Keener Today – May 7

How many of us owned a Polaroid Swinger? “It’s more than a camera, it’s almost alive. It’s only nineteen dollars, and ninety-five.” Continue reading “Keener Today – May 7” →
Keener Today – May 6
What’s Happening:
Real ID is about to become a requirement for air travel. Here’s what you need to know.
RIP Skype, 2003 to 2025. Microsoft has officially shut down the once-dominant video chat app, directing users to its newer platform, Microsoft Teams. Purchased for $8.5 billion in 2011, Skype now survives only as a dial pad inside Teams. One era ends—another continues in its place. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 6” →
Keener Today – May 5
Keener Today – May 4
What’s Happening:
Sovereignty outdueled 3-1 favorite Journalism down the rain- soaked stretch to win the 151st Kentucky Derby yesterday.
Warren Buffett is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of 2025. He has named Greg Abel as his successor, and the transition is expected to be finalized by year’s end. Buffett will remain with the company in an advisory role. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 4” →
Keener Today – May 3
Today is World Press Freedom Day, a celebration the United Nations established more than 30 years ago to remind us that a free press is essential to a functioning and ethical society and is a critical force for the public good. It’s also the 54th Birthday of National Public Radio, born on this date in 1971, Continue reading “Keener Today – May 3” →