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Jim Henson: The Biography, Dr. George Fischbeck, Leaving Tinkertown

This week, NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS correspondent Larry Ahrens talks with former Albuquerquean Brian Jay Jones, author of “Jim Henson: The Biography,” who gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creative genius behind the Muppets. While there have been books about his work, this is the first comprehensive biography of Henson.

NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS also revisits its interview with Dr. George Fischbeck, a legendary pioneer in educational television. Host Gene Grant sits down with the former Duke City teacher and retired Los Angeles weatherman, who started his television career at KNME-TV as a host of a children’s science program.

NMiF rolls out the first in a series of One-on-One talks with special guests. This episode features Tanya Ward Goodman, author of Leaving Tinkertown.” She talks with NMiF Producer Megan Kamerick about this memoir of growing up with her father, Ross Ward, the journey through his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s at age 57, and his subsequent death.

For this Thanksgiving holiday episode, the Line opinion panel discusses shopping at locally owned businesses, ahead of Small Business Saturday

The group also looks back on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the legacy of that traumatic moment in American history.

GUESTS:
Brian Jay Jones, author of “Jim Henson: The Biography”
Tanya Ward Goodman, author of “Leaving Tinkertown”
Dr. George Fischbeck, TV Pioneer & author, “Dr. George: My Life in Weather”

LINE PANELISTS:
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group
Rob Nikolewski, Editor, Capitol Report New Mexico

LINE GUEST PANELISTS:
Dede Feldman, Former New Mexico Senator
Julie Ann Grimm, Editor, Santa Fe Reporter

CORRESPONDENTS:
Larry Ahrens, NMiF Correspondent
Megan Kamerick, NMiF Producer

HOST/COMMENTATOR: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.

Episode 722 for air November 29, 2013