From Palin to Parnell

Hello, everybody. In just a matter of hours, a changing of the guard will transpire as Sarah Palin hands over the reins to Sean Parnell as he'll be officially anointed Alaska's 12th Governor.

Now this will happen at the annual Governor's Picnic here in Fairbanks tomorrow afternoon (Sunday), and Pioneer Park will no doubt be packed to the max as over 5,000 people are estimated to be there as well as media from all over the world covering the historic transition of power. By the way, Parnell will be sworn in on board the Nenana steamship around 3:00 p.m. (7:00 Eastern/4:00 Pacific), and security up and down the park will be tighter than...well, when Pope John Paul II and President Reagan dropped by here 25 years ago.

Of course, it will be quite a day, and I'll try to have a recap on Monday.

One of the week's other big stories falls on the topic of invasion of privacy, as peephole videos of ESPN sportscaster Erin Andrews naked were splashed onto the Internet.

The backstory was that the videos have been online since February, but they were not known until this week when Andrews's legal eagles ordered them to be removed. A very interesting development came when they happened to be an inside job, filmed by somebody in the know at ESPN. Thankfully, that "somebody in the know" is not either Chris Berman or Stuart Scott; they wouldn't do such a thing! Erin won't be returning to work till September, when the whole scandal already dies down.

Seriously though, I think the creep behind those videos may have both went a little too far violating Andrews's private space as well as treating us to some real summer sporting action. I'm no pervert myself, but he did...go...all...the...way into showing the world that Erin Andrews does have a gorgeous body. So long and stay strong!

Hello, everybody, on the 40th anniversary today of what was one of the proudest achievements in all mankind: Man on the moon.

On July 20, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong made a footprint into history while saying, "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind." A few days earlier, the rocket carrying Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins lifted off from Kennedy Space Center with the entire world stopping to watch and listen their every move, from military bases in Vietnam to even Disneyland in California.

The Apollo 11 mission also had some historic significance here as it would introduce Alaskans to live network television for the first time...well, at least in Anchorage. For some reason or another, it would be seen in the afternoon; but a very privileged few did manage to take up on a group rate to fly to Anchorage for $40 to see the moon landing live. Thanks to Alaskan broadcasting pioneer Augie Hiebert and with a little help from Washington, a ground station was set up in Anchorage to receive the live pictures.

Fairbanks would get their first ever live network broadcast with Super Bowl V in 1971. Network newscasts and big events like the Academy Awards would later follow on same-day satellite delay in the early '80s; a few years later, the networks and stations would all transition to satellite delivery, ending the "bad old days" of watching our favorite shows on a one- to two-week delay.

Anyway...President Obama at the White House on Monday met with the three Apollo 11 astronauts, and with the moon already been targeted...could Mars be next?

That's what they're pushing the government to do, as Buzz Aldrin wants man to set foot on that planet by 2035. In 1961, at the height of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, President Kennedy wanted a man on the moon by the end of the '60s. He of course didn't live long enough to see his wish granted.

But over the last decade of so, NASA have sent a series of rovers to Mars, bringing us back to Earth astonishing images and samples. The senior members of my family back in North Carolina (especially my deceased grandmother Mildred) do remember sitting glued to their TVs watching the moonwalk 40 years ago; who knows if the current generation will be tuning in for the Marswalk?

Now, Apollo 11 was one of the many events of the 20th Century covered by Walter Cronkite, and as you already know by now, Cronkite passed away Friday night at the age of 92 after a long illness.

Over the weekend, we've been sharing our memories of the legendary newsman, whether in person or watching him on TV over the decades. But Cronkite has a place in pop culture as well.

When Walter signed off for the final time as "CBS Evening News" anchor in 1981, Johnny Carson in an hilarious skit paid sort of a tribute to him in his own way. And "The Simpsons" at one time poked fun of Cronkite's reporting of the Kennedy assassination with the "Mr. Plow" episode. Cronkite even paid a visit to Fairbanks in 1982.

But the love of his life till her end in 2005 was wife Betsy, though in his last remaining years, Walter's companion was Joanna Simon, an opera singer and the older sister of pop legend Carly Simon. A public memorial service will be at New York's Lincoln Center sometime next month, and just like the one for Michael Jackson, I'm sure all of journalism's biggest names as well as many of Uncle Walter's celebrity friends will be on hand for the final goodbye.

Of course, the epitath on his grave next to his wife's when he is buried in his home state in Missouri will read, "And that's the way it is." So long and stay strong.

Hello, everybody. We have some very sad news to report, and one that we've been expecting for quite some time.

Four weeks after we unexpectedly lost Michael Jackson comes the loss of a great television icon who was once known as "The Most Trusted Man in America." Walter Cronkite, the longtime anchor of the "CBS Evening News" who for 19 years (1962-81) gave America a front row seat to the most significant events in our history, died early Friday night at age 92 after suffering from cerebovascular disease.

For most of the 20th Century, it was Cronkite who we turned to whenever something big in the world was happening. From World War II to Vietnam, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II to the assassination of President Kennedy, the Space Age culminating with the Apollo 11 moon landing (which is 40 years ago this week), the Watergate scandal that cost Richard Nixon the presidency, all the way to the hostage crisis in Iran, Cronkite was either at the anchor desk or right there where the action was. And this was all before 24-hour cable news channels and the Internet!

Walter was of course a journalist who was never afraid to let his feelings show on camera. We shared our tears with his when he reported to the world of Kennedy's death in 1963, and we cheered along with him over his reaction to Neil Armstrong making his footprint on the moon. In between that, he really had something to say about the Vietnam War, with President Johnson quoting thereafter, "If I've lost Cronkite, I've lost middle America."

And Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. did come from middle America...St. Joseph, Missouri, to be exact, born November 4, 1916. His family moved to Houston when he was 10, and that was where he got his journalism chops working for the "Houston Post" (where he would later do full-time) and later correspondent for the University of Texas. He joined the Associated Press's rival United Press in 1937 after a brief time at a Kansas City radio station and with the help of World War II, that was where he really shined, making his first on-camera appearance in a Paramount newsreel. After the war, his next big assignment was the Nuremberg trials before returning to the United States in 1948, quitting the United Press to cover the Washington beat for a group of Midwest radio stations.

Then in 1950, after turning him down before, Edward R. Murrow invited Walter to join CBS; this time, he said "Yes." In his early years, he had a hand in hosting the panelist show "It's News To Me" as well as "You Are There", which re-enacted historical events like the assassination of Julius Caesar and the takedown of crime king John Dillinger. The program was revived briefly in the 1970's. Walter also briefly hosted a morning show, joined alongside by a sidekick being a puppet.

Cronkite returned across the Atlantic to cover the Queen Elizabeth coronation in 1953, and to ensure same-day viewing back in the States, Canberra jet bomber planes flew the films from London to Goose Bay, Labrador in Canada before another plane immediately transferred them to Boston. Now this was in 1953...decades before today's satellite equipment would bring events like these live to the world. A year earlier, he brought the Democratic and Republican national conventions to our living rooms for the first time.

Then in 1962 came the ultimate job opening as Cronkite succeeded Douglas Edwards to take the anchor chair at the "CBS Evening News." At the time, Chet Huntley and David Brinkley with the "Huntley-Brinkley Report" on NBC was the most popular network newscast on the air, but it would be one event on November 22, 1963 that Walter would finally make a name for himself.

President John F. Kennedy was visiting Dallas, Texas that day where was he going to give a luncheon speech at the Dallas Trade Mart. Moments later, the limousine carrying the president, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and Texas Governor John Connally and wife Nellie approached the Texas School Book Depository building where inside, Lee Harvey Oswald would fire three shots into the limo.

Meanwhile, CBS was cutting away from "As The World Turns" which aired live to the East Coast. Over a "CBS NEWS BULLETIN" slide, Cronkite broke the news from an audio booth because the cameras inside the studio had to be turned on, warmed up, and be in place:

"Here is a bulletin from CBS News. In Dallas, Texas, three shots were fired at President Kennedy's motorcade in downtown Dallas. The first reports say that President Kennedy has been seriously wounded by this shooting. More details just arrived. These details about the same as previously: President Kennedy shot today just as his motorcade left downtown Dallas. Mrs. Kennedy jumped up and grabbed Mr. Kennedy, she called "Oh, no!"; the motorcade sped on. United Press says that the wounds for President Kennedy perhaps could be fatal."

40 to 45 minutes later came this: "From Dallas, Texas, this flash apparently official: President Kennedy died at 1:00 p.m., Central Standard Time." For four days straight, the coverage of the assassination and aftermath was the only thing on television. He also did the Civil Rights movement of the '60s, culminated with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968...a very heavy year which also saw Robert F. Kennedy being gunned down followed by the turmoil at the Democratic convention in Chicago.

Cronkite was also right there when the U.S. and the Soviet Union were battling it out in the race for space with Alan Shepard, John Glenn, and of course, Apollo 11. That mission would also introduce Alaska to live network television for the first time, made possible by his friend and fellow broadcasting pioneer, the late Augie Hiebert.

Watergate, legalization of abortion, gas shortages, the end of the Vietnam War, and the 444-day-long hostage crisis in Iran would all follow in the 1970's. And on March 6, 1981, he would say his familiar closing line "That's the way it is" for the final time as anchor though he would continue to do other television work in the years since.

However, his rise to the top was not that easy. Cronkite in the '60s was a straightforward anchor compared to the rugged Huntley and the witty Brinkley; but poor ratings for the 1964 Republican convention led CBS executives to drop him for the Democratic convention, replaced by Robert Trout and Roger Mudd. That too was a disaster, and CBS realized their mistake. And at one time in 1967, a union strike forced Walter off the air temporarily, with some unknown named Arnold Zenker taking his chair. I touched on that while going through other television strikes in 2007 with the writers' strike imminent.

Walter was married to his wife Betsy from 1940 until her death in 2005 and raised three children. Along with countless Emmys and an induction to the Television Academy Hall of Fame, his honors also included a 1974 George Polk Award and a William Allen White Award in 1969.

Upon news of Cronkite's death, tributes from all over began pouring in:

• President Barack Obama: "For decades, Walter Cronkite was the most trusted voice in America. His rich baritone reached millions of living rooms every night, and in an industry of icons, Walter set the standard by which all others have been judged. He was there through wars and riots, marches and milestones, calmly telling us what we needed to know. And through it all, he never lost the integrity he gained growing up in the heartland. But Walter was always more than just an anchor. He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most important issues of the day; a voice of certainty in an uncertain world. He was family. He invited us to believe in him, and he never let us down. This country has lost an icon and a dear friend, and he will be truly missed."
• Barbara Walters: "He was a jolly and supportive friend. He will be missed by each of us individually who knew him and by the whole country who loved him."
• Astronaut Neil Armstrong: "For a news analyst and reporter of the happenings of the day to be successful, he or she needs three things: accuracy, timeliness, and the trust of the audience. Many are fortunate to have the first two. The trust of the audience must be earned. Walter Cronkite seemed to enjoy the highest of ratings. He had a passion for human space exploration, an enthusiasm that was contagious, and the trust of his audience. He will be missed."
• Senator John McCain: "I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Walter Cronkite - one of the most influential newsmen of our time. I will never forget our memorable visit together to Hanoi on the 10th anniversary of the fall of Saigon."
• Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw: "What was so remarkable about it was that he was not only in the midst of so many great stories, he was also the managing editor of CBS News and the managing editor for America. Walter always made us better. He set the bar so high."
• California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: "For decades, Walter Cronkite was the fixture in American living rooms whose reassuring voice reported on some of the most important moments in our nation’s history. He was the most trusted man in America who calmly explained monumental events such as the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the moon landing - events that shaped and defined a generation. Walter remains the benchmark for what it means to be a television journalist and he will be missed. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our sadness over his passing and we send our thoughts and prayers to Walter’s family and friends."
• Larry King (via Twitter): "I'll miss Walter Cronkite. There will never be a newsman again, ever, who will have that clout."

For generations young and old, we will all miss Walter Cronkite, a man who was a pure example of what television news was really all about: To the point with no flashy graphics, elaborate sets, or eye candy ruining the atmosphere. A man who brought the world into our living rooms night after night telling it like it is with a style and manner all his own. And without question, a man who would set the standard for today's aspiring journalists who want to continue a legacy he left behind.

And that's the way it was for Uncle Walter. So long and stay strong.

Hello, everybody.

The Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday transformed from just your ordinary venue that served as home to the Lakers, Kings, the Grammy Awards, the 2000 Democratic National Convention, and WrestleMania 21, into the ultimate and final performance home for Michael Jackson as his public memorial service took center stage.

Over 19,000 fans filled the venue to near capacity while 500 million more around the world tuned in to help say their final goodbyes to the King of Pop. The memorial was without a doubt a star-studded affair, starting with Smokey Robinson reading statements from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela, who both couldn't attend. That would followed minutes later by the arrival of Jackson's gold casket set to "Soon and Very Soon" performed by a gospel choir.

Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz took the stage next with "I'll Be There"; after Queen Latifah, it would be Lionel Richie singing "Jesus Is Love". Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, who helped set Jackson for life when he signed the Jackson 5, called Michael "the greatest entertainer that ever lived." After a video tribute came Stevie Wonder with two songs, remarks by Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, John Mayer's acoustical version of "Human Nature", and then Brooke Shields stating that Michael's favorite song was "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin...in which brother Jermaine would perform.

But perhaps the one moment that will be embedded into our memories for years to come came from daughter Paris Katherine, who while trying to hold back tears said, "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine ... I just wanted to say I love him so much." This I think was pretty much the 21st Century version of John F. Kennedy Jr. saluting his father's flag-draped casket.

Like I said before, it was an all-star service, attended by Rev. Al Sharpton, Dionne Warwick, a pregnant Jennifer Hudson, Usher (who walked to Michael's casket singing "Gone Too Soon"), Larry King, Barbara Walters, and even Mickey Rooney. There were reports that fellow friends Elizabeth Taylor and Macaulay Culkin would also be there, but they were no-shows as well as ex-wives Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe.

Security up and down the area were at its tightest ever; so were the police force: an additional 1,400 officers were on duty, larger then when L.A. hosted the Olympics in 1984. But before the public service, a private family service was held at Forest Lawn Morturary, the final resting place for John Ritter, Bette Davis, and just recently, Ed McMahon among others. After that, the motorcade then went to Staples Center for the public memorial which started a few minutes after 9:30 am (Alaska Time). As for getting the tickets? The lucky recipients were chosen by an online lottery that had 1.2 million applicants in the first 24 hours; only 17,500 had to get in line.

For those who witnessed it in person or watching it on television somewhere in the world, it was indeed a grand and fond farewell to Michael Jospeh Jackson, the man who was, is, and forever will be known as the King of Pop. And I'm sure my grandmother Mildred will definitely be awaiting his arrival in heaven. So long and stay strong.

Hello, everybody. We may be firing up the grill and lighting 233 candles on our birthday cake this Fourth of July weekend, but the fireworks have already started prematurely!

First up...as I broke it to you on my Twitter page, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be throwing in the towel after only 2 1/2 years in office. The stunning announcement came late Friday morning during an impromptu news conference at her Wasilla home and it took everybody by surprise.

Palin's people are tight-lipped as to what happens next for her, but there are early rumors spreading about a possible 2012 presidential bid; otherwise, it's back to private life for the Republican darling and 2008 vice presidential nominee who provided fodder for the late night hosts and some lady named Tina Fey.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell will be taking in the reins as governor during the annual Governor's community picnic at Pioneer Park here in Fairbanks on July 26. But who is Sean Parnell?

Well, he's 46 years old, an attorney who attended Pacific Lutheran University and University of Puget Sound School of Law, and was elected to the State House in 1992 followed by a stint at the State Senate in 1996. Palin made him her running mate in 2006 and last summer, he failed to unseat Congressman Don Young in the Republican primaries.

I'm pretty sure Parnell will have some mighty big heels...er, shoes to fill in a few weeks. As for Palin? The chances for 2012 now are not so good, but at least she'll have plenty of free time on her hands to see Russia from her house.

It's been a week now, but we've been learning fresh details into the Michael Jackson death investigation as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has joined in. On Thursday, new video taken from a couple days before he died showed him rehearsing at L.A.'s Staples Center for his 50-date shows in London. And now comes another twist: A sedative called Diprivan, which puts you to sleep for surgeries, was discovered in Jackson's home. I've had my share of Diprivan twice; in 1991 when they removed a broken needle in my left foot I stepped on, and again three years later when I underwent dental surgery. After that latter one, my mouth would be wired shut and I had to eat all my food in a straw for about a month or so!

Anyway, Jackson filed a will in 2002 stating that custody of his three children would be assumed by his mother Katherine, but there was a bonus: If she is unable to take care of them, it would be awarded to Michael's good friend and fellow music icon, Diana Ross. The two both went back to when the Jackson Five were signed by Motown in the late '60s and they were co-stars in the 1979 movie musical "The Wiz" (aka "The Wizard of Oz Powered By Afro Sheen").

At the time of his death, Jackson was around $400 million in debt; the value of his estate is believe to be asseted at over $500 million, which would've gotten him out of debt by $100 million.

This Tuesday will be an extraordinary day like no other, because that's when a public memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center will be held. The venue, which since 2000 has also served as home to the Grammy Awards, seats around 20,000, and 17,500 free tickets have been distributed to the public. An additional 6,500 will be at the Nokia Theater right next door, where the event will be simulcast. Many dignitaries expected to attend include Michael's friends Whitney Houston, Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor, and Stevie Wonder, who'll be performing.

Whether if you're in L.A. attending it in person, or will be staying home somewhere in the world watching it on television, it will no doubt be a final official goodbye to the King of Pop. I wonder if it'll be open casket, just like James Brown's fond farewell to life...

Anyway, so long, stay strong, and Happy 4th of July.