February 21 Edition Go Back
Today in the World Countries
- Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King is being celebrated in Bhutan
- Carnival is being celebrated in Angola, Haiti, Panama, Uruguay
- Carnival Tuesday is being celebrated in Dominica
- Carnival/Shrove Tuesday is being celebrated in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela
- Father Lini Day is being celebrated in Vanuatu
- Ghyalpo Losar is being celebrated in Nepal
- International Mother Language Day is being celebrated in International
- Losar New Year is being celebrated in Bhutan
- Lunar New Year is being celebrated in Mongolia
- Robert Mugabe National Youth Day is being celebrated in Zimbabwe
- Shaheed Day is being celebrated in Bangladesh
- Shrove Tuesday is being celebrated in Saint Barthelemy
Today in Astrology
- People born on this day are Pisces as their zodiac sign.
Today in History
Happening Today
- EVENTS
- US President Joe Biden vows unwavering support for Ukraine in a speech from Warsaw Castle, Poland, a day after he made a surprise trip to Ukraine.
- DEATHS
- Amancio Amaro, Spanish soccer outside right (42 caps; Deportivo de La Coruña, Real Madrid), who died at 83.
- MOVIES
- A House Made of Splinters - Not Rated is released.
Children and staff in a special kind of home: an institution for children who have been removed from their homes while awaiting court custody decisions. Staff do their best to make the time children have there safe and supportive.
On this day in 2022
- EVENTS
- 60 people die in an explosion at an unregulated gold mine near Gaoua, Burkina Faso.
- Russian leader Vladimir Putin recognises Russia-backed separatists in two Ukrainian regions, ordering in troops for "peacekeeping functions".
- DEATHS
- Eduardo González Pálmer, Mexican soccer forward (4 caps; Club América), who died at 87.
- TV SERIES
- The Endgame: Season 1 is released.
There's a mysterious reason behind a group of coordinated bank heists in New York City planned by Elena Federova (Morena Baccarin) and FBI agent Val Fitzgerald (Ryan Michelle Bathé) is out to stop it in this thriller written by Nicholas Wootton.
On this day in 2021
- EVENTS
- WHO pleads with Tanzania to start reporting COVID-19 pandemic cases amid fears of a hidden epidemic in the country.
- Englishwoman Jasmine Harrison (21) becomes the youngest woman to row across an ocean arriving in Antigua as part of the Atlantic Challenge after 70 days,3 hours,48 minutes.
- First democratic transfer of power in Niger, the world's poorest country, as former interior minister Mohamed Bazoum wins Presidential election.
- Australian Open Men's Tennis: Novak Ðokovic of Serbia wins a record extending 9th Australian title; dominates Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5,6-2,6-2.
- India's BJP party issues resolution country had "defeated COVID under the able, sensitive, committed and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, massive second wave hits two months later.
- DEATHS
- Doug Wilkerson, American football guard (Pro Bowl 1980–82; First-team All-Pro 1982; SD Chargers), who died at 73.
- Zlatko Saracevic, Croatian handball player (145 caps Yugoslavia,75 Croatia; Olympic gold 1996 Croatia), who died at 59.
- TV SERIES
- Allen v. Farrow: Season 1 is released.
The four-part documentary series from Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering and Amy Herdy, looks into the sexual abuse accusation by then 7-year-old daughter Dylan against Woody Allen that led to a custody trial and the reveal of Allen’s relationship with elder daughter, Soon-Yi.
On this day in 2020
- DEATHS
- Phil Maloney, Canadian ice hockey center (NHL: Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks) and coach (Vancouver Canucks), who died at 92.
- Tao Porchon-Lynch, Fitness Instructor.
- ALBUMS
- Random Desire was released by Greg Dulli.
The second full-length solo studio release for the The Afghan Whigs/The Twilight Singers member features contributions from Rick G. Nelson, Dr. Stephen Patt, Mathias Schneeberger, Jon Skibic, and Jon Theodore. - The Allegory was released by Royce da 5'9".
The eighth full-length studio release for the Detroit rapper features guest appearances from Oswin Benjamin, Beny The Butcher, Cyhi The Prynce, Conway the Machine, G Perico, Grafh, Kid Vishis, KXNG Crooked, Ashley Sorrell, Sy Ari Da Kid, T.I., Westside Gunn, White Gold, and YBN Cordae. - Spook the Herd was released by Lanterns on the Lake.
The fourth full-length release for the British indie rock band led by Hazel Wilde was recorded in Yorkshire. - Ordinary Man was released by Ozzy Osbourne.
The 12th full-length solo studio release for the Black Sabbath singer features guest appearances from Elton John, Post Malone and Travis Scott. - Miss Anthropocene was released by Grimes.
Climate change is theme for the fifth full-length release from the Canadian artist. - Myopia was released by Agnes Obel.
The fourth full-length release for the Danish singer-songwriter was self-recorded and produced. - Names of North End Women was released by Lee Ranaldo/Raül Refree.
The collaboration between Lee Ranaldo and Rau¨l Refree features little to no guitars. - Man Alive! was released by King Krule.
The third full-length release for Archy Marshall as King Krule was inspired in part in his move away from London. - Map of the Soul: 7 was released by BTS.
The seventh full-length for the Korean pop band features guest appearances from Halsey and Sia. - Always Tomorrow was released by Best Coast.
The fourth full-length release from the indie rock duo of Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno was produced with Carlos de la Garza and Justin Meldal-Johnsen. - Cape God was released by Allie X.
The second full-length release for the Canadian indie pop artist features guest appearances from Mitski and Troye Sivan. - Companion Rises was released by Six Organs of Admittance.
The latest full-length release for the Ben Chasny project was was self-recorded. - HUMANIST was released by Humanist.
The debut full-length release for Exit Calm guitarist Rob Marshall features vocals from Joel Cadbury, Dave Gahan, Mark Gardener, Carl Hancock Rux, Jim Jones, Mark Lanegan, Ilse Maria, John Robb, and Ron Sexsmith. - Hyacinth was released by Spinning Coin.
The second full-length release for the Glasgow-based indie rock band is the first with Rachel Taylor, who took over for the departing Cal Donnelly. - MOVIES
- Emma. - PG is released.
Handsome, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse is a restless queen bee without rivals in her sleepy little town. In this glittering satire of social class and the pain of growing up, Emma must adventure through misguided matches and romantic missteps to find the love that has been there all along. - Goldie - NR is released.
Goldie is a star – well, not quite yet, but at least in the eyes of her little sisters Sherrie and Supreme she is. The rest of the world is bound to take note soon too. Her big break surely awaits, she’s just got to pick up that golden fur coat she’s had her eye on first. And land a role as a dancer in a hip-hop video. And keep child welfare services from separating her from Sherrie and Supreme, after their mother is locked up. Holding onto those dreams isn’t easy when fate has placed such daunting obstacles in her path. - Brahms: The Boy II - PG-13 is released.
Unaware of the terrifying history of Heelshire Mansion, a young family moves into a guest house on the estate where their young son soon makes an unsettling new friend, an eerily life-like doll he calls Brahms. - Balloon - Not Rated is released.
In the summer of 1979, the Strelzyk and Wetzel families—who had been working on their audacious plan for more than two years—try to flee East Germany in a self-made hot-air balloon. But after the balloon crash-lands just before the West German border, the Stasi find traces of the attempted escape and immediately launch an investigation. In a nerve-wracking race against the clock, the two families attempt to build a new escape balloon as the Stasi get closer and closer each day. - Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band - R is released.
Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band is a confessional, cautionary, and occasionally humorous tale of Robertson’s young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band. The film is a moving story of Robertson’s personal journey, overcoming adversity and finding camaraderie alongside the four other men who would become his brothers in music, together making their mark on music history. Once Were Brothers blends rare archival footage, photography, iconic songs and interviews with Robertson’s friends and collaborators including Martin Scorsese, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and more. - Premature - NR is released.
On a summer night in Harlem during her last months at home before starting college, seventeen-year-old poet Ayanna (Zora Howard) meets Isaiah (Joshua Boone), a charming music producer who has just moved to the city. It’s not long before these two artistic souls are drawn together in a passionate summer romance. But as the highs of young love give way to jealousy, suspicion, and all-too-real consequences, Ayanna must confront the complexities of the adult world—whether she is ready or not. [IFC Films] - Standing Up, Falling Down - Not Rated is released.
After four years of chasing his stand-up comedy dream in Los Angeles,34-year-old Scott Rollins (Ben Schwartz) has crashed and burned. Hard. Left with little money and a fledgling at best “career”, Scott has no choice but to regroup, lick his wounds, and return home to his parent’s house in Long Island. While trying to figure out what to do next, Scott pines after his ex, Becky Brookes (Eloise Mumford), a successful photographer who has since married a former mutual friend. On a night out at the bar, Scott strikes up an unlikely friendship with an eccentric dermatologist, Marty (Billy Crystal), who has regrets of his own. Marty and Scott both help each other find the courage to face the failures in their lives. - The Call of the Wild - PG is released.
Buck is a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team--and later its leader--Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master. - Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations - Not Rated is released.
Antisemitism in the US and Europe is spreading. It mutates and evolves and is seemingly unstoppable. It appears as vandalism, social media abuse, assault and murder. Director Andrew Goldberg examines its rise traveling through four countries to follow antisemites and their victims, along with experts, politicians and locals. - Vitalina Varela - NR is released.
A Cape Verdean woman who has travelled to Lisbon to reunite with her husband, after two decades of separation, arrives mere days after his funeral. Alone in a strange forbidding land, she perseveres and begins to establish a new life. - The Night Clerk - R is released.
While on duty, a young, socially challenged hotel clerk (Tye Sheridan) witnesses a murder in one of the rooms but his suspicious actions land him as the lead detective’s (John Leguizamo) number one suspect. - Young Ahmed - Not Rated is released.
Despite the desperate protestations of his single mother (Claire Bodson), a Muslim teenager (Idir Ben Addi) in a small Belgian town is being gradually radicalized into extremism. He winds up hatching a murderous plot targeting his beloved teacher (Myriem Akheddiou). - TV SERIES
- Gentefied: Season 1 is released.
Three Mexican-American cousins (Karrie Martin, JJ Soria, and Carlos Santos) struggle for the American Dream as their grandfather's (Joaquin Cosio) taco business is threatened by gentrification in this dramedy from Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez. - Hunters (2020): Season 1 is released.
Set in 1977, Jonah Heidelbaum (Logan Lerman) seeks out the killer of his grandmother and finds himself involved with Meyer Offerman's (Al Pacino) group of Nazi hunters in New York City in this drama series created by David Weil and executive produced by Jordan Peele.
On this day in 2019
- EVENTS
- American musician Peter Tork died age 77. He was diagnosed with a rare form of tongue cancer in 2009. The Monkees were brought together for an American sitcom TV series in 1966. Best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist, they had the 1967 UK & US No.1 single 'I'm A Believer' plus other hits including 'Last Train to Clarksville', 'Pleasant Valley Sunday', and 'Daydream Believer'..
- Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa-2 touches down on asteroid Ryugu on mission to collect rock samples.
- The Lunar Library, a 30 million page digital library launched on board Israel’s Beresheet Lunar Lander, aiming to be stored on the Moon.
- DEATHS
- Stanley Donen, American film director and producer (Singin'in the Rain, Bedazzled, Damn Yankees), who died at 94.
- Jerry Ayers, Race Car Driver.
- Peter Michael Braun, German composer, who died at 82.
- Peter Tork, Pop Singer.
- Peter Tork [Thorkelson], American musician and actor (The Monkees), who died from complications of adenoid cystic carcinoma at 77.
- TV SERIES
- Flack: Season 1 is released.
London-based American PR executive Robyn (Anna Paquin) and her colleagues at Mills Paulson deal with a variety of clients including a celebrity chef (Max Beesley), a stand-up comedian (Alan Davies), the founder of an organic cosmetics company (Katherine Kelly), and an American movie star (Bradley Whitford).
On this day in 2018
- EVENTS
- Indian film star Kamal Haasan launches a new political party - Makkal Needhi Mayyam in Tamil Nadu state.
- Laykyun Sekkya, the world's third tallest statue at 116 meters (381 ft) depicting Gautama Buddha completed in Khatakan Taung, Myanmar.
- Norwegian cross country skiers Martin Johnsrud Sundby, Johannes Høsflot & Klæbo win their 2nd Olympic gold medals in Pyeongchang in the men's team sprint freestyle; trio also wins gold in 4 x 10k relay.
- Winter Olympics: Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall become the first Americans in history to win a cross country gold medal (team sprint).
- DEATHS
- Marcel Martin, Race Car Driver.
- Emma Chambers, British actress (The Vicar of Dibley, Notting Hill), who died from natural causes at 53.
- Billy Graham, American Baptist evangelist (Crusades) described as 1 of the 20th century's most influential Christian leaders, who died at 99.
- Billy Graham, Religious Leader.
On this day in 2017
- EVENTS
- Bodies of 87 African migrants wash ashore at Zawiya, Libya.
- Plane crashes into shopping centre in Essendon, Melbourne, Australia killing the five people on board.
- DEATHS
- Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Polish-American conductor (Minnesota Orchestra,1960-79) and composer (Passacaglia Immaginaria), who died at 93.
- Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Polish-born classical conductor and composer, who died at 93.
- Kenneth Arrow, American economist, (Nobel Prize 1972), who died at 95.
- ALBUMS
- Dirty Projectors was released by Dirty Projectors.
The eighth full-length release for the now solo project of David Longstreth was influenced by his breakup with former bandmate Amber Coffman.
On this day in 2016
- EVENTS
- Bombings in the Syrian cities of Homs and Damascus kill 140 people, Islamic State claims responsibility.
- 66th Berlin International Film Festival: Italian documentary "Fire at Sea" wins the Golden Bear.
- 58th Daytona 500: Denny Hamlin wins closest finish in race history - by just 0.01s from Martin Truex Jr.
- DEATHS
- Pascal Bentoiu, Romanian composer, who died at 88.
- TV SERIES
- Girls: Season 5 is released.
Lucy Liu, Corey Stoll, and Frank Wood are some of the guests of the second to last season of the Lena Dunham comedy. - Togetherness: Season 2 is released.
Emily Althaus, Katie Aselton, Peter Gallagher, Ginger Gonzaga, Joshua Leonard, and John Ortiz are some of the guest on the comedy series from Jay & Mark Duplass and Steve Zissis.
On this day in 2015
- EVENTS
- 35th Golden Raspberry Awards: "Saving Christmas" wins worst film.
- DEATHS
- Bruce Sinofsky, American documentary film director (Brother's Keeper), who died at 58 from diabetes complications.
- Daniel Topolski, British writer and rowing coach, who died at 69.
- Clark Terry, American jazz trumpeter, who died at 94.
- Clark Terry, Trumpet Player.
On this day in 2014
- EVENTS
- Canada take the curling double at the Sochi Winter Olympics beating Great Britain,9-3 in the final; also win women's gold medal.
- A statue of a weeping Kurt Cobain was unveiled in Aberdeen, Washington - the hometown of the late Nirvana frontman. The statue, which sees Cobain crying a single tear, is situated in the Aberdeen Museum of History. Kurt Cobain Day would now be celebrated annually in the city of Aberdeen. Of the day, Mayor Bill Simpson recently read a proclamation, which stated: "Aberdeen residents may justifiably take pride in the role our community played in the life of Kurt Cobain and the international recognition our community has gained from its connections with Kurt Cobain and his artistic achievements.".
- A crew member working on a biopic about Gregg Allman died after being hit by a train during filming. Police in south Georgia said the woman was struck after the crew for Midnight Rider placed a bed on the railway tracks in Doctortown. Wayne County Sheriff John Carter said several other people had been injured, two of them seriously..
- 11 people are killed after a Libyan Air Force plan crashes in Tunisia.
- Park Seung-hi wins Olympic women's 1,000m short track speed skating gold medal in Sochi for her 2nd gold medal of the Games; 3,000m relay winner.
- Police in Kiev open fire on protesters: 27 killed and around 570 injured.
- US President Barack Obama meets with the Dalai Lama.
- Viktor An of Russia wins 6th career Olympic short track speed skating gold medal as part of the 5,000m relay team in Sochi; 2nd gold of the day (500m) and 3rd of Games (1,000m).
- 10 words from the 15th C Voynich manuscript have been decoded.
- MOVIES
- Pompeii - PG-13 is released.
In 79 A.D., Milo (Kit Harington), a slave turned gladiator, finds himself in a race against time to save his true love Cassia (Emily Browning), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant who has been unwillingly betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts in a torrent of blazing lava, Milo must fight his way out of the arena in order to save his beloved as the once magnificent Pompeii crumbles around him. - In Secret - R is released.
Set in the lower echelons of 1860s Paris, Therese Raquin, a sexually repressed beautiful young woman, is trapped into a loveless marriage to her sickly cousin, Camille, by her domineering aunt, Madame Raquin. Therese spends her days confined behind the counter of a small shop and her evenings watching Madame play dominoes with an eclectic group. After she meets her husband's alluring friend, Laurent, she embarks on an illicit affair that leads to tragic consequences. - Omar - Not Rated is released.
A tense, gripping thriller about betrayal, suspected and real, in the Occupied Territories. Omar (Adam Bakri) is a Palestinian baker who routinely climbs over the separation wall to meet up with his girl Nadja (Leem Lubany). By night, he’s either a freedom fighter or a terrorist—you decide—ready to risk his life to strike at the Israeli military with his childhood friends Tarek (Eyad Hourani) and Amjad (Samer Bisharat). Arrested after the killing of an Israeli soldier and tricked into an admission of guilt by association, he agrees to work as an informant. So begins a dangerous game—is he playing his Israeli handler (Waleed F. Zuaiter) or will he really betray his cause? And who can he trust on either side? Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad (Paradise Now) has made a dynamic, action-packed drama about the insoluable moral dilemmas and tough choices facing those on the frontlines of a conflict that shows no sign of letting up. [Adopt Films] - Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me - Not Rated is released.
Now in her late 80s, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch remains as ferociously funny as ever. In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is revealed both on and off stage. Candid reflections about her life are punctuated with words from friends (including James Gandolfini, Tina Fey, John Turturro, Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane and Cherry Jones) and archival footage that showcases some of the great moments from her career. Whether dominating the stage, tormenting Alec Baldwin on the set of 30 Rock, or sharing her struggles with aging, diabetes and alcoholism, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me reaches beyond the icon’s brassy exterior and reveals an inspiring portrait of a complex woman and artist. [IFC Films] - Black Out - Not Rated is released.
On the day before his wedding, retired criminal Jos wakes up next to a murdered man with no recollection of what happened the night before. He soon discovers that a group of gangsters have pinned him as the lone suspect in the theft of 20 kilos of coke. He’s got to get it back in 24 hours, or the life of his bride will be in serious danger. Now he has no choice but to creep back into his dangerous old world of petty thieves and drug dealers—all before his wedding the next day. [Music Box Films] - Barefoot - PG-13 is released.
The "black sheep"son (Scott Speedman) of a wealthy family meets a free-spirited, but sheltered woman (Evan Rachel Wood). To convince his family that he's finally straightened out his life, he takes her home for his brother's wedding where an improbable romance blooms, as she impresses everyone with her genuine, simple charms. - 3 Days to Kill - PG-13 is released.
An international spy (Kevin Costner) trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assignment.
On this day in 2013
- EVENTS
- 21 people are killed and 54 are injured in a bombing in Hyderabad, India.
- 83 people are killed and 250 are injured in a series of bombing attacks in Damascus, Syria.
- MOVIES
- One Life - Not Rated is released.
Daniel Craig narrates this BBC wildlife documentary focusing on the cyclical journey taken by all living creatures.