September 2002

Program Notes

First Week (September 7-13) Virginia Wines

In traveling across Virginia, you'd be hard pressed not to encounter a regional vineyard somewhere along the way. Entire sections at wine stores offer Virginia wines, many of which have won national awards. Bruce Zoecklin (VT) is the state enologist and he says Virginia's vineyards are thriving in part because they've mastered the "come hither" factor. Also featured: Can it be that wine not only tastes great and is pleasurable, but is actually good for us? Roy Williams (ODU), who has been called the "Einstein of the Vine" investigates the possibility that wine may inhibit the onset of certain cancers.

Second Week (September 14-20) Hormone Replacement Trauma

What options remain for menopausal and postmenopausal women after a recent study found increased risks from hormone replacement therapy? JoAnn Pinkerton (UVA), director of the UVA Health System Midlife Center, maintains the benefits probably still outweigh the risks for women using estrogen and progesterone to treat menopausal symptoms, but those hoping for protection against heart disease should think again. Also featured: Kay Heath (VSU) discusses Victorian representations of middle-aged women.

Third Week (September 21-27) Slave Reparations

In 1968, a group calling itself The Republic of New Afrika startled the nation with a suggestion that six Southern states be set aside for blacks in America as a payback for slavery. Their call was perhaps one of the more radical suggestions of ways to compensate African Americans for injustices suffered under slavery. Such discussions began almost immediately after the Civil War and remain alive today. In March, descendants of slaves filed a lawsuit against three American corporations whom they claim profited from slavery. Constitutional law scholar Davison Douglas (W&M) and historian William Alexander (NSU) examine the history of reparations and consider the legal arguments in the current lawsuit.

Fourth Week (September 28-October 4) The Obesity Epidemic

Since 1980, the number of obese adult Americans has doubled. And the number of overweight adolescents has tripled. Psychiatrist Cindy Bulik (VCU/MCV) is researching the role genetics plays in who gains weight and who stays thin. Also featured: Pediatrician Nancy McLaren (UVa) tells us how obesity in children poses a major problem for the nation's public health care system.