Hearsay With Cathy Lewis

With the Easter season fast approaching, are you hearing the pitter patter of bunny feet? Along with answering all your pet health questions, we'll talk about the pros and cons of adopting rabbits on today's monthly visit from HearSay's favorite veterinarian, Dr. Phyllis Neumann.

In his groundbreaking book, published more than a decade ago, sociologist Robert Putnam warned against the unintended consequences of our modern technological advances. "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community," argued that radio and television were increasing our disconnection from family, friends, neighbors, as well as our democratic structures. On today's broadcast, Cathy talks with Putnam about his seminal work and social media's impact on today's society.

U.S. officials announced this week that an Army staff sergeant who allegedly gunned down civilians in southern Afghanistan will be charged with 17 counts of murder. On today's HearSay, Cathy speaks with Ryan Crocker, the U.S. Ambassador for Afghanistan, about how the killings have affected relations between military forces and civilians. We'll also examine the changing role of women in the Afghan government.

American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen The decision to drop out of school can leave former students facing a bleak economic future. Their communities are adversely affected too, as dropouts often lack the preparation needed to be productive citizens. On today's broadcast, we'll examine the challenges schools face in engaging at-risk students, and the innovative practices their deploying to reduce the drop-out rate.

Water scarcity - and the political unrest it creates - is a growing concern. On today's Global Water Day, we'll speak with experts on the issues of water quality and water availability and examine how those concerns shape socioeconomic development across the globe. We'll also look at local steps Hampton Roads residents can take to conserve this resource.

We'll examine the latest news headlines that have you talking. We open up our lines for you to let us know your thoughts by calling in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at hearsay@whrv.org or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Segment A: Left to Tell: A Story of Peace, Hope and Forgiveness Immaculee Ilibagiza miraculously survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide by spending 91 days hidden in a bathroom with seven other women. She chronicled her harrowing escape and subsequent recovery in the bestselling memoir "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust." Ms. Ilibagiza joins Cathy to talk about her experiences and her journey to recovery. Segment B: The Return of Mad Men The television drama "Mad Men" is set to being its fifth season this week. On today's broadcast, Cathy talks with Dr. Gary Edgerton, Professor and Chair of Old Dominion University's Communication and Theatre Arts Department, about the show's popularity and its imprint on contemporary culture.

As jurors continue to debate the fate of a former Rutgers student accused of exhibiting anti-gay bias against his roommate, we'll look at housing programs local universities are considering to address anti-gay bullying. We'll also get an update on the efforts to create a Gay Cultural Studies program at Old Dominion University.

Cherry trees are budding and daffodils are rising. HearSay's favorite gardener, Jim Orband, joins Cathy in the studio to answer your most pressing spring gardening questions. We'll also talk with Jim about R-O-U-Ses - that's right, Rodents of Unusual Size. They aren't just a myth! Nutrias, a large rodent with orange teeth, are making local headlines. On today's program we'll learn the best ways to protect lawns from these marsh creatures.

Privacy on the Internet is a growing concern, with some employers and colleges now demanding Facebook passwords from would-be employees and students. Is constant contact worth the cost to privacy? On today's program, we'll talk with social media experts about how to guard your personal information on the Internet - and what you may unwittingly give up when you opt into social media sites.

The General Assembly is scheduled to wrap up this year's session. On today's show, we'll take a look back at the 2012 session; get an update on lingering budget issues; and a preview of the coming fall elections. Later in the broadcast, Cathy welcomes Congressman Scott Rigell to the HearSay studio. We'll talk with him about the latest Congressional headlines.

Segment A: Girl Scouts: 100 Years of Creating Tough Cookies Today is the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts. From its roots in home economics and citizenship, to today's badges in web design and online etiquette, the Girl Scouts have encouraged generations of young girls to become women of integrity. On today's show, we'll talk with the President Emeritus of the Scouts about the life skills learned from friendships, camp-outs and Girl Scout songs. Segment B: Waterside's Future The future of Norfolk's Waterside will soon be decided. City officials have narrowed possible development projects down to just two: a $30 million project with 13 themed restaurants; and a $200 million project with two hotels and an expanded marina. We'll talk with representatives of both projects about their Separate plans and ask listeners to weigh in with their thoughts on the future of Norfolk's premier waterfront spot.

Many Baby Boomers have started to consider where - and how - they want to reside in their next life stage. Refusing to consider a traditional retirement community, boomers are creating new trends in the housing market. We'll take a look at some of their choices, including unconventional family units and new home designs.

Segment A: Human Trafficking in Virginia Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. In the United States, 100,000 American children are exploited and forced into this modern-day slavery. Thousands more children are brought in from outside the borders with promises of jobs, subsequently stripped of their passports and forced into labor or sexual exploitation. On today's show we'll examine this growing crime and what Virginia legislators are doing to combat it. Segment B: The Lost Boys In 1999, thousands of Sudanese orphans made their way to the United States, fleeing their country's violent civil war. A number of those "lost boys" came to make their homes here in Hampton Roads. On today's program, we'll get an update on their efforts to reclaim their lives - and learn how they are giving back to those in their native land.

A new budget bill is making its way through the General Assembly - and Virginians are making their way to the ballot box. On today's show we'll get the latest headlines from Richmond and learn how the state's Republican primary is shaping up. We'll open up our lines for you to let us know your thoughts by calling in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at hearsay@whrv.org or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Segment A: NurtureShock Modern strategies for nurturing children are producing unexpected - and often unwanted - results. In this HearSay Classic, Cathy talks with Po Bronson, author of "NutureShock," about the counterintuitive truths science is unveiling about today's parenting strategies. Segment B: Your Musical Child Does your child complain when it's time to practice their piano? What is the best way to encourage children to choose to an instrument - and then stick with it? On this HearSay Classic, we'll talk about the best ways to bring music (without tears) into your home.

The regional impact of Eastern Virginia Medical School continues to grow. We'll talk with EVMS's president and the school's dean about their plans for the school's future.

Segment A: The Iron Lady Called the "the most admired, most hated, most idolized and most vilified public figure of the second half of the twentieth century," Margaret Thatcher still evokes strong emotions in the political realm. On today's first segment, we'll talk with Thatcher's biographer, John Campbell, about the legacy of The Iron Lady. Segment B: A Political Woman We'll take a look at the challenges women face as they contemplate running for political office. We'll talk with former female candidates about their experiences and learn how the major political parties are encouraging women to join their elected ranks.

The Virginia legislature continues to make national headlines. Christopher Newport University's Quentin Kidd joins Cathy in the studio with the latest from Richmond. We'll open up our lines for you to let us know your thoughts by calling in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at hearsay@whrv.org or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Segment A: USS ENTERPRISE: An American Legend There is perhaps no other ship as well known as the USS Enterprise. As the Navy readies to send the eighth USS Enterprise on its last deployment, we'll take a look at the history of "America's Fightingest Ship." We'll talk with the Enterprise's commanding officer about the work ahead for his crew. We'll also talk with a naval historian about the legendary battles this great vessel survived. /Segment B: 1812: The Navy's War In today's second segment, we revisit America's first major military conflict after its battle for independence. The War of 1812 saw the rise of America's naval power - and cemented its future as a world power.