WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

DC's Carbon Footprint

We're number twelve. Yes, according to a new report by the Brookings Institution, the DC region can brag about having the twelfth-largest carbon footprint in the nation. OK, not exactly something to be proud of. The independent research organization ranked the 100-largest metro areas in America by per-capita carbon emissions from transportation and residential energy use. Mark Muro is policy director of the Metropolitan Policy Program with the Brookings Institution. He joins us to talk about the report.

Chronic Sleep Restriction

This month, tens of thousands of students in area colleges and universities did exactly the wrong thing. To prepare for final exams, they loaded up on caffeine and pulled all-nighters. It may sound like a no-brainer, but new research done at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research says a good night's sleep is beneficial to learning, recall, and performance. And a bad night's sleep? Well, Reporter Andrew Hiller looks into the impact of "sleep restriction."

Fred Fiske: Charter Member of the Clean Plate Club

Senior Commentator Fred Fiske has a lot to get off his chest this week. Or, more accurately, off his plate... as he details an eight-decade battle with portion-control.

China Gig for the Maryland Community Band

Nearly 200 musicians from Maryland will travel to China next month to play in an invitation-only "Salute to the Olympic Games" concert. They'll also break into smaller groups to perform in a series of intimate concerts with Chinese counterparts. Kavitha Cardoza sat in as the American musicians rehearsed before heading overseas.

Upgrade for the Nation's Fishbowl

The National Aquarium in Washington is often overlooked. You wander down Constitution Avenue until you think you've gone too far. Then, enter the U.S. Department of Commerce Building on 14th Street. Take the ancient wood-and-brass elevator to the basement. And there, the cool, dark, watery world of North America's marine treasures awaits. Stephanie Kaye met up with Bob Ramin, Executive Director of the aquarium, to get a glimpse of the new "extreme makeover" the nation's fishbowl has undergone.

Faulkner in Virginia

William Faulkner's literary voice looms large in the pantheon of Twentieth Century American authors. Now we can enjoy his actual voice. The University of Virginia is releasing audio tapes of Faulkner when he lectured at UVa fifty years ago. Nancy King, with the radio program "With Good Reason," has more.

Jim Yenckel: Scenic and Historic Hikes

It was wet and cold for so much of this month, but May and June are typically great times for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. And you can soak up more than just the scenery on many hikes around DC. Travel Writer Jim Yenckel joins us to help plan some nature walks that also take advantage of the rich history in our region.

Reuben Jackson: Politics in the Barbershop

Commentator Reuben Jackson says he always enjoys a good political debate. Especially when there's a red-and-white striped pole out front.

Reuben Jackson is a writer living in the District... who will never run out of ideas as long as he keeps getting haircuts.