Perspective Podcast - January 7th, 2011

In this edition of Perspective...

The New House of Representatives.

It is the biggest freshmen class in the House of Representatives in more than 60 years.  There are 94 new members, with all but nine of them Republicans.  Their new leader Ohio Representative John Boehner took over the gavel from outgoing speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a ceremony marked by good will, a little humor, and a dash of politics on the side.  ABC's Jonathan Karl explains.  

Bi-Polar Kids.  

Tens of thousands of preschoolers are on anti-psychotic medications, a number that has doubled in the last decade.  The trend raises many questions, especially since most of these medications have not been tested on children and doctors have little idea of what their impact might be on the developing brain. We had a chance to meet a family faced with a profoundly difficult choice.  ABC's Cynthia McFadden explains.  

Women's Tears a Turnoff?

Human beings are the only creatures that can experience a good emotional cry.  But, aside from expressing joy or sadness, what biological role do tears play?  A new study indicates that some women's tears contain chemicals with potentially negative implications for men.  Here is ABC's Dan Harris.  

The Deepest Cut.

Parenthood by definition is about sacrifice.  Any self-respecting mom or dad will give up sleep, savings, or even their own life for their kid.  But, imagine having to put your babies' life at risk in order to ease his suffering.  This is the story of one set of parents, forced to make that unfathomable decision.  ABC's Brian Rooney was there for what happened next.

The Lottery By the Numbers.

The stakes were enormous for this week's $380 million mega-millions lottery jackpot.  When the dust cleared, there was not just one big winner, but two.  But, if history is a guide, winning may not be such a good thing.  ABC's Jeremy Hubbard breaks down the lottery by the numbers.  

Celebrity Diets.

It is the subject of many New Year's resolutions, weight loss.  Dieting is a $60 billion a year business in the U.S. alone.  Part of the reason, is while 50 million of us go on diets each year, only about 5% manage to keep the weight off.  So, why do so many celebrities seem to succeed?  Each year, "US Weekly" magazine devotes a special issue to celebrity weight loss, a star-studded who and how of thinning down.  This year, we went behind the scenes as it all came together.  ABC's Chris Connelly has more.  

Host: Cheri Preston

Producer: Jason Wesalo

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