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February 28, 2008
Erica’s News Note: Blowing in a little late…
Posted: 07:46 PM ET

It is COLD today in NY. I am a New Englander by birth, so I know cold, but I still shiver when I think about the wind whipping off the Charles River in Boston as I tried to make my way to class in college. I think that same wind just found me in Manhattan. After an afternoon spent drinking tea at my desk while scouring news sites, I’m finally thawed out enough to get this blog written. (Yes, that is my excuse for getting this to you a bit late today.)

There is nothing like international politics to put the U.S. political scene in perspective. Here on 360°, we’ve brought you more than one international dust-up from the hallowed halls of parliament in Asia or Europe. But this gem from Russia offers a new take. After a recent debate, one presidential candidate attacked his rival’s campaign manager. Truth be told, neither one of these guys has much of a chance – it’s pretty much a done deal that outgoing Pres Vladimir Putin’s pick will win Sunday’s election. Some say this is the most excitement Russia’s presidential race has seen so far.

A different tiff has put a Nazi treasure hunt on hold. Not sure if you’ve been following this one, but a few of us on the 360° team were talking about it the other day. (FULL STORY)

Here’s the condensed version: a treasure hunter said geological surveys recently revealed an underground chamber where he believes the Nazis may have stashed valuables, including clues to the whereabouts of the Amber Room, which remain a mystery. If you’re not familiar with the Amber Room, it was a room made of amber and gold in a St. Petersburg palace, looted by the Nazis at the beginning of WWII.

Anywho, long story short, this treasure hunter and the mayor of the German town where he was digging got in a “disagreement” with the mayor when said burgermeister wanted to bring in some scientists to make the expedition more credible. Can’t imagine why that would upset the treasure hunter… 

Also on my radar, Bob Knight heading to ESPN as an analyst. I’m not a huge sports fan, but I have always enjoyed college basketball. I grew up in UConn Husky territory; my husband is a Hoosier, so you can bet any story about the former IU basketball coach is going to make me stop. I’m curious to see just how blunt he’ll be, this man known as much for his record (winningest coach in NCAA D-1 men’s basketball) as for his on-court antics. He’s not one to hold back. We won’t need to wait very long to find out – he’ll begin the new gig two weeks from now, just before the start of March Madness (read: your chance to win the office bracket pool). Stay tuned for that – but only when you’re not watching 360°.

16 Comments
Filed under: Erica Hill
16 Comments
David J Dickerson   February 28th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Its not rocket sience people. The sorry state our country is in is because of the price of a gallon of fuel. Our whole system rests on top of a gallon of fuel. When fuel goes up it pushes the price of everything else up BECAUSE everything is sitting on that damn gallon of gas. Wheu….. glad I got that clear, now please you folks at CNN please talk it up and maybe our so called leaders with those phds mbs and sobs in front of their names might understand, have a good night.

Lorie Ann   February 28th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Hi Erica,
I’d hate to tell you how warm it’s been where I live..so I won’t…
A treasure hunter that wants all the treasure to be his? Where’s Indiana Jones when you need him? It would be quite a find if it’s true.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Lilibeth   February 28th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

So we can blame the cold wind for the late blog, huh, Erica? Good excuse! Can I borrow it sometime? LOL!

Wow, that video from Russia was something else! How come we don’t have that kind of excitement around here in the U.S.? (kidding!)

That’s interesting about Bob Knight. I’m sure he’ll be blunt, but I bet he’ll be more careful in his words. He’ll be analyzing on TV (a much less stressful situation), not coaching and trying to win a basketball game.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Michael, NC   February 28th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Bob Knight…what a character. One of the best college coaches in the history of sports. Not just basketball either. I was brought up the way he coaches his kids and nothing is more challenging and motivating than his antics. He probably has a bad rep with many college basketball fans, but it’s undeniable that his methods produce some of the most determined and tight-knit groups of kids in college basketball. And oh yea, his record. Enough said. His honest and blatant opinions are the perfect fit for ESPN’s panel.

Annie Kate   February 28th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Can you imagine the number of claimants that will come forward if the Nazi treasure hunters do find treasure? Sounds like the hunt is developing into a headache but there may be larger headaches if there really is treasure to find.

I love the story about the candidate attacking his rival’s campaign manager; that’s almost as good as the clips 360 has shown of one of the Asian parliaments brawls. I wonder how many American politicians dream of attacking their rival’s campaign manager - or perhaps just the rival!

Looking forward to the show tonight.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Carol B., Virginia   February 28th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Hi Erica,
Even if the treasure hunters find what they’re looking for, shouldn’t they be obligated to return the loot to descendants or curators of St. Petersburg Palace? When do reparations apply by law? Anyhow, at least the weather will be nicer along The Charles in a few short months and marked by events like The Regatta & concerts on the Hatch Shell. Take care.

Marisa   February 28th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Sorry for the weather, I was about to start a rant about how today wasn’t the day to wear wool in California. We had 75 today, too warm for this time of year in San Francisco! You’re always welcome back here Erica :-)

- Marisa Rodriguez, San Francisco

Heather Murrieta Ca   February 28th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Hello Erica
Half my family is from Middletown CT. I saw the history of The Amber Room on the History Channel I think Absolutely magnificant a work of art in every way. Well they will have a better chance of getting that stuff stolen by the Nazis than trying to get it from the Swiss Banks. Mr Knight such the gentleman always the master of his emotions. Yeah right im wondering how much money they are paying him to be good and how much money they have put aside for any FCC fines he might bring.

Michele, Douglaston NY   February 28th, 2008 9:49 pm ET

The story about the Amber Room fascinated me. I think, someday, the amber room wall panels will turn up eventually. Coincidently, I just finished reading the book “The Amber Room” by Steve Berry. It was a fiction, but fascinating story. I am hoping to watch the interesting program tonight.

kevin henry   February 28th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

cold ! Love the cold weather. Went to school in Monteal, now in NJ (boo!)
Montreal got crazy snow this year. What is it like to live all year in a place with little cold (Florida? Georgia)? I think I would go crazy, the seasons refresh the mind. I am actually considering a job at U of Florida! Would I go crazy?

Harvey Kugler   February 28th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Erica Hill!! You are without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened at CNN . I am so glad to see you seriously participating in AC360. I love evry moment when you are on. GO ERICA!!

paul taylor   February 28th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

hi Erica I enjoy you and Anderson’s rapport and humor.
I have to say that your picture from your Junior High School years made me think you might have Acted during the 1980’s with Mel Gibson with that hairstyle .
I think you were the Wild Boy in the “Road Warrior” or Mad Max 2 as it was titled in Australia.

Paul Taylor Nova Scotia Canada

Ps you grew into an intelligent witty woman Who I am sure will get the ironic humor of my observation.

Rina, Philippines   February 28th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Hi Erica! Really enjoy the rapport you and Anderson have… you guys are really smart and funny at the same time… you guys can balance the seriousness of the news and the humor of some of it… Great job! That’s why I really enjoy watching AC360!

I would also like to let you know that we get to watch AC360 here in Manila Live from CNN USA. It airs at 11AM (Manila time) up to 12nn (Manila time). The thing is, we only get to watch the first hour of the show. And am desperately seeking help to get to make CNNI run the full AC360 show. Would appreciate any help on this…. I really don’t know who to write to regarding this matter.

I am sure I am not alone in this request. Many of us here in Souteast Asia would really love and appreciate watching the full program of AC360.

Thanks!

Garrick, Minneapolis MN   February 29th, 2008 12:37 am ET

I love Erica Hill.

Sandy Jay, Newfoundland, Canada   February 29th, 2008 1:09 am ET

Hi Erica,
Good to see you joined AC360 full time.

As for the Amber Room, I recently finished a book by Steve Berry called The Amber Room, and it is a fictional take on people actually finding the thing. When it sprung up in the news, I was very interested in it. Prior to the book, I didn’t even know rumors of such things existed…

…and I think that Knight will be a great analyst for the tournament. He is known for his honesty and integrity (imagine that, Sampson!), and since there is a good chance that he won’t coach again, he won’t be afraid to step on anyone’s toes (like virtually all of the former athlete analysts on NFL shows, looking to become coaches one day).

Thanks

Julie San Diego, CA   February 29th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Erica writes:
“Some say this is the most excitement Russia’s presidential race has seen so far.”

Where’s Springer when you need him…they could have had a full-blown catfight going…

Erica, you’re doing a much better job of blogging/writing every day. Totally kicking Andy’s butt in that department. We’re STILL waiting for his second book…has he come down with a case of writer’s block?

Good to see you on the show.

You’re a brave woman, moving back to the cold…

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