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Newsmaker George Mitchell Weighs in on Iran

Past Newsmakers guest, George Mitchell, has been sparing in his interviews since resigning his post as President Obama's Special Envoy to the Middle East.  Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic, however, got Mitchell to sit down for a piece about the current state of the region and the looming crisis in Iran.  See link to the interview below.


Atlantic interview with George Mitchell
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/01/george-mitchell-on-the-iran-crisis/251359/

Newsmaker Robert Ballard Partners With Former Disney Imagineer on Titanic Exhibit

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic, our Newsmakers friend, Dr. Robert Ballard, is partnering on an exhibit that opens at Connecticut's Mystic Aquarium in April.  Dr. Ballard, who found the world's most famous ocean liner, worked with a former member of the Disney creative team on Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below.  Read more about the project in the link below from the Sacramento Bee.


Sacramento Bee on the Robert Ballard and the upcoming Titanic exhibit
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/11/4180207/sea-research-foundation-unveils.html

Newsmaker Jay Leno to Host Michelle Obama on "Tonight Show" Jan. 31

First Lady Michelle Obama will return to visit with our Newsmakers friend Jay Leno on NBC's Tonight Show next week.  Read more below from the Associated Press.\


AP story on Michelle Obama returning to The Tonight Show
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/entertainment&id=8510089

Newsmakers Peggy Noonan and Donna Brazile on ABC's State of the Union Coverage

Past Lesher Speaker Series guest Peggy Noonan and future Newsmaker Donna Brazile will both be featured tonight on ABC's coverage of President Obama's State of the Union address.  Get all of the info from the link below.

 


ABC News press release on their State of the Union coverage
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/01/abc-news-announces-special-coverage-for-the-state-of-the-union-address-2/

Newsmaker Newt's South Carolina Shocker

Our Newsmakers friend Newt Gingrich pulled off a shocker Saturday in South Carolina's Republican presidential primary.  Even those who projected the former House Speaker would win did not conceive of the margin.  Gingrich continues to be a fascinating political figure in his ability to weather controversy and shine in the debate format.  CBS News did an interesting (and fairly exhaustive) analysis on how Newsmaker Newt pulled it off in the Palmetto State.  See link below.


CBS News on how Gingrich won South Caroline
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57363403-503544/how-newt-gingrich-won-the-south-carolina-primary/

Newsmaker Steve Young on Alex Smith and the 49ers

Our Newsmakers friend Steve Young was back in his usual interview spot with KNBR sports radio this week and had some interesting thing to say about Niners Quarterback Alex Smith and the team's exciting playoff run.  Read a transcript in the link below.  It's a good way to get fired up for today's game.  Go Niners!



Steve Young interview on KNBR
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/2012/01/inside-the-49ers/steve-young-says-alex-smith-is-the-centerpiece-of-if-hes-successful-well-be-successful/

Newsmaker Cal Ripken, Jr. to Serve as Ravens' Honorary Captain

While most in our area will be preoccupied with the 49ers tomorrow, there is (believe it or not) another playoff game in the NFL, involving the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens.  In an effort to grab some extra mojo for the AFC Championship, the Ravens have turned to the "Iron Man of Baseball," our Newsmakers friend, Cal Ripken, Jr..  Ripken, according to Sports Illustrated on-line, will serve as the team's honorary captain.  See the link below. 


Sports Illustrated on Ripken serving as an honorary captain for the Ravens
http://tracking.si.com/2012/01/20/cal-ripken-jr-honorary-captain-for-the-ravens-this-weekend/

NBC Highlights "Pearls of Political Wisdom" From Newsmaker Jay Leno

Our inaugural Newsmakers guest, Tonight Show host Jay Leno, has been using his monologue to make many a political jab in this election year.  This NBC LA piece (see below) highlights Leno's recent barbs at some of the presidential candidates.  And though Leno is always quick to point out that he is no commentator, the recent quips might give you pause to think otherwise.  They might also ring true to anyone who has been watching the process

Leno's Pearls of Political Wisdom


NBC Los Angeles on Leno and the GOP primary
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/television/NATL-Lenos-Political-Pearls-of-Wisdom-137556643.html

Newsmaker Tom Brokaw Receives "Golden Mike Award"

Congratulations to our Newsmakers friend Tom Brokaw, who will be honored Saturday in Los Angeles with the "Golden Mike Award," given by the Radio and Television News Association.  One wonders why these awards, in their 62nd year, had not honored our man before.  Read more below from the L.A. Times.



Los Angeles Times on Tom Brokaw and the Golden Mike Award
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2012/01/tom-brokaw-and-warren-olney-to-receive-golden-mike-honors.html

Newsmaker Lisa Ling Looking for Bay Area Swingers

I had one of those "only in the Bay Area" moments when I read that our Newsmakers friend Lisa Ling is doing some work here for an upcoming show on swingers for her Our America program.  This is not an area in which I am versed, but my guess is Lisa has come to the right place.  Read more below from SF Weekly.


SF Weekly on Lisa Ling's Bay Area swingers search
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2012/01/lisa_ling_our_america_twist.php
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