Hearsay With Cathy Lewis

The clock is ticking if you're still trying to get the perfect gifts under the tree. But with only days until the holiday, you have a lot of wonderful options--especially if you want to give the gift of food! Our favorite food writer, Patrick Evans-Hylton will join us with some excellent gift ideas that will fill the plate for the holiday.

Today we bring you conversations with people exploring their past. Gloucester native Carter Catlett Williams and former Virginian-Pilot editor Margaret Edds both lost a parent when they were very young. They've each written a book about the experience of coming to know their lost parent through the letters they left behind (Glorious Adventure and Finding Sara, respectively). We'll talk with each of them about the experience and later in the hour we'll bring you a conversation that originally aired on What Matters with Aniko Tottossy and Ray Evans who both experienced tumultuous times in their formative years. As we reflect on the year and our families during this holiday time, tune in for a special encore presentation of these emotional and compelling stories.

Last week, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said the Navy is still working on plans to move one of its Norfolk-based aircraft carriers to Mayport, Florida. What would that mean for Hampton Roads? Plus, we'll update you on "The Tide," HRT's Light Rail project in Norfolk, and whether it's still on track and meeting budget guidelines. . And, what's on your mind? We want to know, so send us your comments and feedback to hearsay@whro.org. We'll read them on the air, then open up the phone lines. Give us a call at 440-2665 or 1-800 940-2240. Join us!

Are you worried Fido will bolt when holiday guests come calling? Will Fluffy simply not leave your holiday trimmings alone? HearSay's favorite veterinarian Dr. Phyllis Neumann joins us today to take on your pesky pet problems. Join us at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240 during the noon - 1 p.m. hour.

Monday, President Obama signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act --a bipartisan bill that will simultaneously tackle childhood hunger and obesity by getting healthier food into schools and by expanding free and reduced lunch programs at schools across the nation. It's the first update to school nutrition since the Carter Administration. So what will that mean here in Hampton Roads? Today on HearSay, we'll talk with Helen Phillips, Senior Director of Norfolk Public Schools Nutrition. We'll also hear from super-blogger Catherine McCord, who works tirelessly on her blog "weelicious" to help parents instill healthy eating habits in their children, and themselves.

'Tis the season to deck the halls with boughs of holly, pots of poinsettias, and garlands of greenery. We're joined by our resident garden guru Jim Orband of the York County Extension Agency who will take your questions and queries. Join us at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240 during the noon - 1 p.m. hour.

Worried about your relationship? Going into the holiday season, maybe you should be. Tracking search terms for breakups across 10,000 Facebook status updates, researchers found that Christmas Day had the fewest splits, but the weeks leading up to Christmas constituted one of two yearly peaks. So what's with all the relationship fallouts when it's supposed to be the most wonderful time of year? Today on HearSay, we'll take a look at those findings. Plus, we'll explore the "social-media" relationship.

Internet Sweepstakes Cafes are popping up across Hampton Roads and Virginia. And there's a swarm of controversy that's is spinning along with the cyber-slot machines. Many cities and localities are grappling with the legality of these cafes--are they in the same class as a bingo hall or the lottery? Or are these cafes promoting gambling? Join host Cathy Lewis today as we take a closer look at the issue. Call 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240 or post your comments on our Facebook page.

The holidays are supposed to be a time of togetherness and family, but the spirit of the season can sometimes bring unwanted guests-- depression and stress. In an effort to pull off a perfect holiday, you might find yourself facing a dizzying array of demands - parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name a few. On today's HearSay, join guest host Barbara Hamm Lee as we talk about those common holiday stress triggers and how to deal with them so you can actually enjoy your holidays.

If a situation just doesn't feel quite right, and you're not sure why, what do you do? Do you take a chance, or do you go with your gut and turn the other way? That little suggestion of doubt is your intuition. On today's HearSay, we'll take a closer look at what your intuition is, and how it works. Also joining us, Dr. Poornima Madhavan, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Old Dominion Unniversity in Norfolk and the University's Applied Decision Making Lab.

Governor Bob McDonnell is holding a 3-day transportation conference this week in Roanoke. First in the hour, we talk with Hampton Roads District representative Aubrey Layne, Jr. of the Commonwealth Transporation Board in Virginia. Also joining us in the hour, with less than a month before the start of the 112th United States Congress, we're talking with Congressman-Elect Scott Rigell as he heads to Washington to represent Virginia's 2nd Congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Join us for the conversation at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240.

It's the end of the semester at most colleges, and that means final exams. As thousands of students sharpen their number 2 pencils and prepare for the tests by studying, others are working on how to buck the system by cheating. How rampant is academic dishonesty, and what students are more likely to risk cheating in order to get a better grade? Join us for as we discuss academic dishonesty on today's Hearsay.

What's in the news? Join host Cathy Lewis today as we explore some of the stories making local and national headlines. Call 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240 or post your comments on our Facebook page.

Think about the last time you heard a song that gave you goosebumps, or that scene in that certain movie that can always make you cry. Today on HearSay, we'll discuss the psychology of emotional entertainment, and why certain films impact certain people a certain way. Also joining the conversation, Tench Phillips from the Naro Expanded Cinema in Norfolk and president of Art Repertory Films, Incorporated, and Dr. Dana Heller, Old Dominion University's Professor and Director of the Humanities Institute and Graduate Program.

Your personality is driven by many factors from your parents to your peers. One big influence is your birth order. Whether you're the oldest, youngest, middle or only child, research shows that a person's birth order has a direct link with his or her personality. Join us on today's HearSay as we take a closer look at the research on how birth order - or ordinal position - plays in your personality.

If sea levels rise rapidly during the 21st century, as many scientists believe will happen, Old Dominion University would be among only a handful of large, research universities in the United States to face the threat of saltwater intrusions onto its lawns and into its campus structures. That's the topic being addressed at the Blue Planet Forum at ODU tomorrow night. Today on HearSay, we'll get an exclusive preview of the discussion. Tune in and hear why you will be wondering about rising sea levels and how you could be affected.

Think that spending your precious time on a creative project is an impractical waste of time? According to Harvard trained psychologist Dr. Shelley Carson, tapping into your natural creative abilities can add fulfillment and effectiveness to your personal and professional lives-- whether you're an artist, scientist, businessperson or homemaker. Dr. Carson joins us on today's HearSay to explain how creativity can increase your productivity. We'll also hear from Laura Stack, a nationally known expert on how to squeeze every last drop out of the clock.

On September 15, 2011, The US Army will close up all operations at Fort Monroe, the Colonial-era fortress at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula. The decision to close was part of the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission aimed at cutting military costs. So what happens when the Army transfers the property to Virginia? Will it become a National Park? Will it be split so parts of the Fort will be preserved, and other parts developed? Join us on today's HearSay to discuss all the possibilities and share your thoughts.

If your dog or cat isn't sporting that Hi-Pro glow, you may want to check their weight. On today's HearSay: Pet Health, our favorite veterinarian, Dr. Phyllis Neumann joins us live in studio to talk about why you should be concerned about your pet's weight, and what you can do to help. And, since the holidays mean family time, as a special treat today, Dr. Neumann will be joined by her sister, Dr. Linda Garrett, who is a rural veterinarian in Oklahoma. Join us for this special family gathering!

Feasting, family and football. Thanksgiving Day is upon us, and it's time to get cooking. HearSay's resident foodie, Patrick Evans-Hylton joins us in studio today to share his favorite Turkey Day tips, tricks and traditions. Terrified of turkey troubles? Mike Farrell, Executive Chef and Co-owner of Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas in Portsmouth will share his shortcuts. We'll also hear from celebrity chef Eric Ripert, who will share his thoughts on Virginia, and how he's spending his holiday.