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OC Tie to Libya’s Win; Martin Gives Ohio Take on Drake

The goal that’s getting credit for calming tensions in war-torn Libya came with OC ties in the form of Omar Turbi, boss of electronics distributor Orbit Systems in Newport Beach. Omar’s nephew, Ahmed, scored the winner in an overtime tiebreaker against Ghana on Feb. 1 to give his team the African Nations Championship, the first international title for Libya, which lost its chance to host this year’s tournament due to the tumult that remains in the wake of the late, longtime strongman, Muammar Gaddafi. Reports said the clincher by Turbi even had rival tribes laying down their arms to celebrate a national triumph …

How outgoing UCI Chancellor Michael Drake engages the business community continues to be a topic of interest as he heads to Ohio State. This week’s Columbus Business First includes insights from Mont Pelerin Capital’s Chuck Martin, a longtime UCI backer and member of Drake’s kitchen cabinet who’s also a son of the Buckeye State and an OSU grad to boot. He told the Columbus publication that Drake is a “good listener, he’s an incredibly good speaker, really has a grasp of the business aspects of running a university as well, and is very well-tuned into the business community.” Martin also gave Drake credit for “overcoming the bureaucracy that I think every university in America has.” He conceded that he was “negative” on Drake’s push to establish UCI’s law school, “but, boy, it’s been a huge success” …

What are the odds of UCI making it to the Rose Bowl? Not good, considering the Anteaters don’t field a football team. Or pretty good—by extension, anyway—with Drake now at a Big 10 powerhouse and his former right-hand man, Michael Gottfredson, running perennial Pac 10 contender Oregon …

First American spun off its data analytics business in a 2010 deal that created CoreLogic—and both were doing just fine last week. First American added to its own data lineup with a $155 million deal for an outfit that fits with the title insurer’s current needs (see related report, page 8). CoreLogic continues to plow forward with the help of execs such as Frank Martell, one of the five winners of the Business Journal’s recent CFO of the Year Awards (coverage starts on page 1) …

Congratulations to former OCBJer Janna Wade and Dr. Matt on the arrival of Nora Kristine Wade, who checked in on Jan. 30 at a healthy 8 pounds, 5 ounces …

Best wishes to Pelican Hill PR pro Kate Starr and husband, Bryan, SVP for government affairs at the Orange County Business Council, who expect their first child in coming weeks …

Starr still hardly shows while sitting at the Tasting Table, where’s she’s spent several recent evenings showing guests the ropes of the newest addition at the Pelican Grill. It’s a load of fun and plenty delicious, with Head Chef Derek Brooks offering up custom menus. The table is situated between the kitchen and dining room, where the acoustics are surprisingly accommodating of conversation and there’s a view of the culinary ballet. The table is designed for 8 or 10 diners. Smaller parties will be accommodated based on availability …

Reporter Mark Mueller offers another suggestion if you’re looking for a spot to make a Valentine’s toast, with his report from the St. Regis Monarch Beach wine cellar on page 1.

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