Perspective Podcast - February 25th, 2011

In this edition of Perspective...

Gadhafi vs. the People.

In just one week, Africa's longest reigning leader Moammar Gadhafi, in office for 41 years, has seen his country gallop into turmoil.  Many observers now believe the question is not whether, but when he will be forced out of office.  ABC's Alex Marquardt has the latest from Libya.  

Gadhafi's History in Power.

He depends on a voluptuous Ukrainian nurse, who is his constant companion, he is afraid of flying over water, and he refuses to climb more than 35 steps at a time.  Those are just a few of Moammar Gadhafi's quirks, as described in U.S. cables exposed by Wikileaks last year.  But, his erratic behavior goes beyond mere quirks.  Now he is slaughtering his own people.  So, just how mad is he?  ABC's Jeffrey Kofman took a look.  

Cruise Ship Rape.  

It is a startling look at crimes, specifically sex crime aboard cruise ships.  No vacation is billed as a carefree escape as much as a cruise.  But, unreported crime on board has become such a problem that Congress recently passed a law requiring cruise lines to report all crime at sea to the FBI.   Now, a brave teenager for the first time, tells her story about how a trip turned into a nightmare at the hands of a cruise employee.  ABC's Vicki Mabrey has the story.  

Salvia:  Legal high?

It is a story about young people and drug use.  Our focus is an herb native to Southern mexico, that causes hallucinations when smoked and can cause the user to lose control of thoughts and actions.  It is called salvia and it is perfectly legal in most states.  But now it is under increased scrutiny following the allegation that the suspect in the Tucson shooting, Jared Loughner was a regular user.  ABC's Terry Moran explains.  

Rand Paul Interview.

If Republicans and Democrats cannot find a way to compromise on spending, the federal government will shutdown on March 4th.  But, what do you think the chances for compromise would be if Senator Rand Paul, the fiery Tea Party newcomer, who wants to abolish the Departments of Education and Energy, was running the show?  ABC's Bill Weir had a chance to sit-down with the senator to find out. 

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall.

It has been a long time since Herb Alpert was blowing his trumpet with the Tijuana Brass.  It might surprise you that now, nearly half a century later, Alpert is still performing, joining his wife on a concert tour to promote their new album.  ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Bill Diehl caught up with the couple at a brief stop-over in New York.  

Fake Twitter Accounts.

When his victory in the Chicago mayor's race became clear this past week, Rahm Emanuel tweeted, "Looking forward to working together as your next mayor".  Meanwhile, messages also went out from two other Twitter accounts bearing Rahm Emanuel's name.  These fake accounts also celebrated the victory, but with torrents of expletives that would make a sailor blush.  ABC's John Berman explains.  

Host: Aaron Katersky

Producer: Jason Wesalo

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