A year ago

It was 40 years ago on March 6 that news anchor Walter Cronkite signed off “The CBS Evening News” for the final time, stating his tag line, “That’s the way it is.” The phrase was more than just a signature ending of his nightly newscast. It was a statement that his newscast was designed to, as he put it, “ hold up the mirror — to tell and show the public what has happened.” Holding up the mirror meant focusing on actual news, steering away from advocacy, and nailing down facts. There was a reason that polls of the era listed Cronkite as the most trusted man in America. He projected a fatherly personality and professional image. He spoke in a slow, deliberate manner. He imposed strict standards for accuracy and objectivity into his broadcasts. Every writer and producer on his team knew the perfectionist’s expectations and knew not to stray into personal bias or activism. The journalism world could use more of the Cronkite method today. ADVERTISEMENT Cronkite had … [Read more...] about Cronkite signed off 40 years ago; it seems like an eon in news standards

Even though its moving at a slower pace than many would like, the vaccine rollout is starting to gain some traction and in turn, moviegoers are going to start setting foot in theaters — safely of course. That said, the specialty box office space might be hearing some more coin drop into its piggy bank in the forthcoming months. It’s been quite a journey, but we’ll get there slowly yet surely. Eddie Huang, who is best known for writing the best-selling Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir which was the inspiration for the popular ABC sitcom, makes his feature directorial debut with Boogie which Focus Features releases in theaters today. The story follows Alfred Chin (Taylor Takahashi) who goes by the name “Boogie”. He is a basketball phenom living in Queens, New York and dreams of one day playing in the NBA. However, his parents have other plans for him. They want him to put all of his focus on earning a scholarship to an elite college. Through it all, Boogie must find a … [Read more...] about Focus Features Releases ‘Boogie’ From Eddie Huang; ‘My Salinger Year’ And ‘Boss Level’ Debut – Specialty Preview

A year ago, the bright red star Betelgeuse in the Orion constellation hit the headlines when stargazers noticed a stark fading episode that astronomers couldn't explain. They still can't, although they keep trying. The suspense is particularly high now, since the star, which typically dims and brightens on a regular schedule, should soon start to fade again, for the first time since last year's strange antics. Scientists hope that this year's observations of Betelgeuse will put last year's episode in context, which could shape astronomers' understanding of stellar activities more generally.  One such astronomer shared an update at the 237th meeting of the American Astronomical Society , held virtually in January, in advance of the dimming predicted to occur this April. "We want to see whether last year was really unique," Andrea Dupree, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, told Space.com after the conference. "What if it happens again? … [Read more...] about Scientists still stuck on Betelgeuse antics a year after strange dimming episode

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki didn’t say on Tuesday if President Joe Biden agrees with Climate czar John Kerry that there are “nine years left” to stop a climate disaster. “I don’t have a new timeline to give you from here. I can confirm for you though that the president agrees with former Secretary Kerry that it’s a crisis, that time is of the essence. We need to act quickly. And that’s why climate is a key part of his agenda,” Psaki said. (RELATED: Treasury Department To Create New Climate Czar Role, Expand Climate Change Efforts) WATCH: Kerry said on “CBS This Morning” on Feb. 19 that there are nine years remaining to stop a climate disaster. “Well the scientists told us three years ago we had 12 years to avert the worst consequences of climate crisis. We are now three years gone so we have nine years left,” Kerry told CBS News’ Ben Tracy, “CBS This Morning” tweeted . “Even if we did everything that we said we were gonna do when we signed up in … [Read more...] about Psaki Won’t Say If Biden Agrees With Kerry That There Are ‘Only 9 Years Left’ To Save The World From Climate Catastrophe

Washington released AP Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith on Friday, a move that was expected but still provides a cold ending to the veteran quarterback’s storybook tenure with the organization. Smith’s release clears just under $15 million in salary cap space for Washington, which is hoping to figure out its long-term QB situation and fill many holes in the aftermath of a 7-9 season, NFC East title and wild-card round loss. Coach Ron Rivera said he met with Smith this week, each side figured it was best to move on, and the organization granted Smith’s request to be released. “I want to thank Alex for his contributions this past year,” Rivera said in a statement. “He made such an impact on our young roster, and his leadership was one of the key factors in our late-season success and in making the playoffs for the first time since 2015.” Smith made a triumphant return to NFL action last season, two years after breaking two bones in his right leg and requiring 17 surgeries to … [Read more...] about Washington releases Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith