Perspective Podcast - January 28th, 2011
Post a CommentIn this edition of Perspective...
State of the Union.
"Winning the future" was the theme of President Obama's State of the Union address. That is how he summed up the challenges facing the country and his plans to meet them. It was a tenuous moment for the president, one of drama and opportunity in the wake of the Tucson shootings, that seemed to tone down the political fighting. But, it marks a crossroads in his presidency as he faces many challenges ahead. ABC's Terry Moran takes a look back at what he said and how he did.
Aisle Hogs.
They may not stand in the doorways, but they sure do block the halls. Call them "Aisle Hogs". They are members of Congress who are so enthusiastic about greeting the president or perhaps be caught on camera shaking his hand, that they arrive hours early all for a seat on the aisle. For some this is an annual routine. ABC's John Donvan explains.
E-Mail Snooping.
It is a story of modern love and a complicated marriage that fell apart in a truly spectacular way. The story made headlines in December because the husband, Leon Walker, was charged with criminal hacking for snooping in his wife's e-mail. If convicted, he could head to prison. But, that episode turns out to be only one twist in what both sides describe as an elaborate downward spiral. ABC's Bill Weir describes a he said/she said for the digital age.
Trouble at HUD.
Each year about $26 billion in taxpayer money is spent to provide housing for needy Americans. At least that is how much is allotted for public housing. Where some of that money actually goes may unfortunately be another question. At least 43 local housing officials were convicted of crimes in the last two years and some of the allegations are truly shocking. ABC's Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross has the details.
Rising Gas Prices.
The current spike in gas prices came into focus over the holidays when the average national price per gallon topped three dollars for the first time and things have gotten no cheaper since. If it brings back bad memories of 2008 when national gas averages topped four dollars, that may be for good reason. There are signs that as a nation of drivers some of our old consumer habits die hard. ABC's Vicki Mabrey explains.
Astrology Controversy.
What if the stars were not really aligned the way we always thought they were? Now, one astronomer claims they are not, which means the zodiac sign you grew up with may not really be your sign after all. Imagine if the day you thought you were supposed to be finalizing a project at work was actually a day you were supposed to be making a relationship change. ABC's Jeremy Hubbard takes us inside the scrambled zodiac.
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: Jason Wesalo
Reader Comments