Friday, October 10, 2008

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Mark Muro Discusses DC's Carbon Footprint
David Furst

May 30, 2008 - The DC region has the twelfth-largest "carbon footprint" in the nation, according to a new report by the Brookings Institution. The report ranks metro areas in the US based on per-capita carbon emissions.

Speaking with David Furst, Mark Muro of the Brookings Institution says a number of factors contribute to the ranking...

Guilty Plea In DC Embezzlement Case

May 30, 2008 - There has been another guilty plea in a scheme to embezzle millions of dollars from D.C.'s tax office. The brother of the plot's alleged ringleader pleaded guilty in federal court to receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to the plea agreement, Richard Walters and his sister, Harriette Walters, used the bank account of his plumbing company to deposit fraudulent tax refund checks worth almost $5 million. More than $1 million of that money was then transferred into Richard Walters' personal bank account. In all, prosecutors say at least $20 million was stolen from the city. Richard Walters is the fourth person to plead guilty in the case. His sister and several alleged accomplices are still awaiting trial.

Matt McCleskey has more...

Weekend Planner - Historic Hikes

May 30, 2008 - Today on the Weekend Planner we'll help you plan three hikes in the Mid-Atlantic that take advantage of scenic beauty and local history.

Speaking with David Furst, travel writer Jim Yenckel says our Civil War battlefields provide some of the most interesting hikes in the region...

Construction Projects Get Boost in Virginia

May 30, 2008 - Governor Kaine has signed legislation which pumps $1.5 billion dollars into higher education, mental health, parks and building projects in Virginia.

Tommie McNeil has more...

"Art Beat" with Stephanie Kaye - Weekend Events May 30-June 1, 2008
Stephanie Kaye

May 30, 2008 - (May 31) ROCKINOCEROS The Avalon Theater in Chevy Chase hosts Rocknoceros(http://www.rocknoceros.com) tomorrow morning at 10:00. If you're looking for something to do this weekend with the little ones, this 2006 Wammy Award-winning group is rated one of the world's finest trios for children's music.

(May 31) TREES The National Park Service is offering an enlightening tree I.D.(http://www.nps.gov/) session at the Visitor's Center Saturday afternoon at 1:00. Learn the secrets of identifying trees amid D.C.'s abundant arboreal treasures. Discover why leaves change color, how a tree grows, and how to recognize a tree by leaf shapes during a one-hour hike with a park ranger.

(May 31) BARBERSHOP CHAMPS The winners of the International Barbershop Quartet Competition come together for a rare joint performance at the Kennedy Center's free Millenium Stage Saturday at 6:00 p.m. This evening of symmetry and standard meter showcases Max Q, the Barbershop Harmony Society's(http://www.barbershop.org) most decorated quartet champions, and the Four Bettys(http://www.fourbettys.com/), an ensemble boasting 40 years of combined musical experience.

(May 31 & Jun 1) WASHINGTON FOLK FESTIVAL The 28th Annual Washington Folk Festival(http://www.fsgw.org) kicks off in Glen Echo Park Saturday at noon. The two-day event features music, dance, storytelling and craftwork from artisans around the world. Admission is free.

(May 31) ART COLLECTING 101 The funky free-for-all art gathering known as Art-O-Matic has been in town for a few weeks now. But they bring their festivities to a close with Art Collecting 101: Inspiration and Passion(http://www.artomatic.org/node/3072) Saturday afternoon at 2:00. Philippa Hughes, local lawyer-turned-art events coordinator, dug deep into her knowledge of the punk scene to brand her gatherings under the "Pink Line" tag, bringing together audiences and local artists.

(May-October) KAYAKING THE PISCATAWAY
The Atlantic Kayak Company(http://www.atlantickayak.com/instruction2004.htm) is offering kayaking lessons along the Piscataway Creek on weekends. It's a great and safe way to learn from certified professionals and fun to view the wonders of the great outdoors with nothing but a paddle and a small boat.

(May 30-June 1) BALLERINAS ON DISPLAY The Washington School of Ballet(http://www.washingtonballet.org/school/schoolPerf.htm) will hold its annual spring show at the school's two campuses, with morning and evening performances Friday through Sunday. The spring performances give students of all levels a chance to showcase their ability and achievements. Watching these talented students at one of the country's finest ballet companies is a great way to spend a day or an evening. It may just inspire you to take up dance yourself.

(June 1) COOKIN' LOBSTAH The Market Inn(http://www.freshcrabcakes.com/)in DC will be holding its summer lobster dinner with a cooking demonstration Sunday evening from 5:30 to 8:00. You can learn how to prepare and cook the crustaceans while enjoying a full meal from starters to desserts. The challenge: paying attention to your cooking class demo while dining on a mouthwatering dish.

(May 30) MARTINI MIXER Andalu Nightclub in D.C. hosts a martini mixer (http://www.thingstododc.com/) and retro party for friends over 40 - Friday at 7:30 p.m. Party goers can enjoy the cozy and eclectic feel of this Moroccan style club with 60s and 80s classic tunes as the musical backdrop. You can meet other professionals who live in the area over a tasty martini paired with good music.

Rocknoceros The children's music group Rocknoceros performs at the historic Avalon Theater in D.C.'s Chevy Chase neighborhood. courtesy of: Rocknoceros

Virginia Tightens Teacher Licensing System

May 30, 2008 - Virginia has tightened its licensing system to ensure that teachers who sexually abuse children aren't allowed to return to the classroom.

Effective July 1, the law will require courts to promptly notify local school divisions when teachers are convicted of felony sexual offenses involving children or felony drug crimes. It will further require school boards to inform the state Board of Education after they fire teachers or accept their resignations as a result of such crimes.

The legislation followed a national Associated Press investigation of license revocations that involved teachers sexually abusing students. In Virginia, a teacher named Michael Wayne Allee was able to get a job and molest children in more than one jurisdiction because of a lag between when he committed the abuse and when he was disciplined.

Meymo Lyons reports...

D.C. Council To Discuss Firework Ban

May 30, 2008 - The D.C. City Council will vote on proposal to ban all consumer fireworks in Washington next week. Last Fourth of July, the Mayor's office received more than 4,000 complaints about the improper use of fireworks in just 12 hours. If approved, the ban could go into effect by this Fourth of July. Officials encourages residents to attend public firework displays.

Faryl Ury reports...

D.C. Approaches Taxi Meter Deadline

May 30, 2008 - Meters must be installed in all taxicabs operating in the District of Columbia by June 1. Drivers without a meter will be fined $1,000.

As Faryl Ury reports, city officials say most drivers are on track for the change...

D.C. Eliminates Bike Registration Mandate

May 30, 2008 - More and more people are forgetting their cars and looking for alternative ways to travel. Now District officials are making it a bit easier - at least if you're buying a bicycle.

Starting this Sunday bike registration will no longer be required in DC. Instead, city officials say owners should register with the National Bicycle Registry. The countrywide database is easier to use and can be completed online. DC Police chief Cathy Lanier says that each year more than 1,000,000 bikes are stolen. Many of them are left unclaimed because their owners didn't register them.

Pat Brogan reports...

Power Breakfast for May 30, 2008

May 30, 2008 -

Marked for Closure, Clark School Says Good-bye

May 30, 2008 - Clark Elementary School in Northwest Washington is closing its doors for good next month. But the school is determined to go out in style. Clark Elementary is one of 23 DC Public Schools closing this year.

David Klatt reports...

Cabbies Lose Money with Meters

May 30, 2008 - Meters have been installed in more than 80 percent of D.C. cabs, but drivers aren't happy with the new system. Some say they're losing around 30 percent of their income with the new meter system. Starting June 1, cabbies without a meter face a $1000 fine.

Faryl Ury listened to the complaint of drivers in downtown D.C...