Perspective Podcast - May 13th, 2011

 In this edition of Perspective...

The Hidden Costs of High Gas.

This week the CEO's of the five largest oil companies faced Congressional outrage over gas prices, tax breaks and high profits, but dusted themselves off, unscathed.  This only adds to increasing frustrations around the nation about the rising costs at the pump.  The worst part of about the high gas prices you see everywhere, may be the prices you do not see.  The hidden costs for things like shipping, that increase what you pay for everything from flowers to food.  ABC's Neal Karlinsky explains.

Pawn Queens.

Consider the staggering loss of personal wealth in the U.S. since the crash two and a half years ago. Despite the recent recovery, almost $8 trillion is gone from our retirement savings, checking accounts and home values. About $25,000 for every man, woman and child in this country. Meanwhile, the official unemployment figure is bad enough at 9%, but if you add in those who have given up looking or who are working part time, the rate climbs past 15%. That is more than 24 million people.  We had a chance to meet two women who came up with a highly original solution to the crunch. They decided to take advantage of a booming market for used household goods. A market that has boosted sales of the nation's biggest pawn companies, 45% alone. ABC's Vicki Mabrey reports.

Who is Ron Paul?

The race for the White House in 2012 is heating up. Firebrand Texas Congressman Ron Paul has been gearing up for another run making his decision to public on Friday.  ABC's Jonathan Karl tells us about a candidate who has no qualms at all about courting controversy to advance his principles. 

Ron Paul Interview.

ABC's George Stephanopoulos had a chance to speak with the presidential candidate, Representative Ron Paul, right after he made his announcement from Manchester, New Hampshire.

Child Prodigies.

It is the kind of incredible talent that is as fascinating as it is perplexing.  Child prodigies are sometimes dismissed by skeptics as merely having above-average gifts honed through relentless parental pressure and hours spent practicing.  Yet, in some cases very young children exhibit amazing gifts that seem to express something more, some type of divine touch.  So which is it?  ABC's John Berman tried to find out.  

Marriage & Politics.

We are inclined to call them a quintessential American couple, because of their story.  One was an immigrant, the other part of a political dynasty.  It seemed that their pairing could only happen here, yet the latest twist in the marriage of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Schriver is very ordinary. Here is ABC's John Donvan.  

Shania Twain.

She was the first country star to achieve major crossover success in the world of pop music.  Five time Grammy award winner Shania Twain's 1997 album "Come on Over" is the best-selling album of all time by a female musician.  She sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, but she has not released an album of new material since 2002.  In the last several years, she seemed to retreat from public life entirely, until now.  ABC's Cynthia McFadden had a chance to sit down with Shania Twain.  

Host: Cheri Preston

Producer: Jason Wesalo

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