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December 2003

First Week (December 6 through December 12) Overcoming Appalachian Stereotypes

Last year's announcement that CBS planned to create a new reality show called "The Real Beverly Hillbillies" generated objections that it would foster more disparaging views of the Appalachian Mountain culture. The show would have followed an Appalachian family as they adjust to life as Hollywood millionaires. English professor Parks Lanier (RU) is tired of Appalachian stereotypes and says some of this country's richest literature comes from the mountains. Phil Leonard (Central Virginia Community College) takes his students on an annual bus tour of Appalachian regions. Also featured: Amy Clark (UVA-Wise) studies how people from Appalachian communities feel about their dialect. She says many try to change their speech when they move out of the area, hiding their true origin.

Second Week (December 13 through December 19) The Next 100 Years of Flight

On December 17, 1903, two brothers from Ohio successfully flew a powered aircraft 852 feet in 59 seconds, marking the beginning of humanity's era of flight. Since Orville and Wilbur Wright spread their wings, planes have gone from unstable contraptions to sleek vehicles that can traverse the globe in a matter of hours. Today, aerospace engineers are busy designing the next generation of aircraft, and are looking for ways to make flight safer and more efficient. Aerospace professors Jim Marchman (VT) and Brett Newman (ODU) describe planes that might seat over a thousand passengers, wings that change shape in mid-flight, and aircraft the size of insects.

Third Week (December 20 through December 26) Christmas Songs and Stories

On this special holiday edition of With Good Reason, we feature an assortment of songs, stories and thoughts about Christmas. Jazz pianist John Toomey (ODU) plays his rendition of several Christmas classics. Essayist Sharon Hoggard (NSU) reminisces about how her mother's annual traditions. Writer Jay Lidington (TCC) explains how his father's struggle with Alzheimer's has affected the selection of his gift. Cameroon native Peter Tahsoh (VSU) contrasts America's Christmas traditions with those of his homeland. Poet Peter Meinke (ODU) reads three poems inspired by the season. And we end the show with a real treat - the 12 Days of Christmas as interpreted by the Gentlemen of the College, the oldest a capella group at the College of William and Mary.

Fourth Week (December 27 through January 2, 2004) Improving Global Health

While some believe there's a health-care crisis in the United States, many citizens of developing countries have no access to health care at all. Dr. Richard Guerrant (UVa) has spent most of his career helping train foreign medical students, and spends part of the year in a small Brazilian city. Also featured: Tom Calogrides (Tidewater Community College) has traveled to the Philippines eleven times to help train emergency medical workers there. He's part of the Norfolk-based group Operation Smile.