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Homeless and Unsheltered

With arctic weather making this the coldest February in years, our thoughts turn to the area's homeless residents. Numbers are hard to pin down, but a 2006 survey by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments estimates there are about twelve thousand homeless people living in the Washington region on any given day. About 1500 avoid shelters completely and are literally living on the streets. This is the population that faces the greatest risk in the cold weather. So far this winter three homeless people have been found dead in DC, though the cause of death has not been released.

The DC Department of Human Services encourages residents to call the city's hypothermia hotline to report homeless people or families sleeping outside. Their "hypothermia vans" can offer help, or blankets for those who refuse help. The Hypothermia Shelter Hotline is 800-535-7252.

Back in December, Metro Connection's Sidsel Overgaard spent time with one outspoken and unsheltered resident, and produced this profile.

Mondo DC - The Big Chair

We continue with one of our regular visits to the area's most unusual tourist sites. Last May we made a pilgrimage to "The Big Chair" - yes, the famous "big chair" of Anacostia. It was a neighborhood presence since the late 1950s, but the old big chair was removed in 2005 after rotting wood rendered the structure a hazard. Last year, a shiny, aluminum, weather-resistant replica of the big chair was rededicated in the same spot.

To some, the big chair is the ultimate must-visit attraction for those looking to experience DC landmarks that you won't find on the Mall. To others...it's just a big chair.

We met our connoisseur of all things kitschy, Jeff Bagato, at the big chair. He's the author of "Mondo DC: An Insider's Guide to Washington, DC's Most Unusual Tourist Attractions." When we arrived, he was already transfixed by the splendor.

"Songs to Hang on Stars" by Mary Sue Twohy

Back in October, singer-songwriter Mary Sue Twohy stopped by for an in-studio performance. Last year she released her third album, "Songs To Hang On Stars." Joining her to play songs from the CD were two Grammy-winning musicians, pianist Jon Carroll and bassist Charlie Pilzer.

Break out your calendar - she'll be playing a show in Frederick, Maryland, on March 10, 2007 at the West Side Cafe.

Jazz in Washington - Part II

Starting March 3rd, the Kennedy Center will host an eight day program called "Jazz In Our Time." And over the next several weeks on Metro Connection, we present a series of conversations called "Jazz in Washington, DC."

Pianist and radio and TV personality, Billy Taylor, and sax and flute master Frank Wess both spent their teen years in the District. Today in Part II of the series, they share memories of growing up in music clubs around the region and reflect on the opportunities jazz presented for young African-Americans.

"Jazz in Washington DC" was produced by Richard Paul for ARTSEDGE, the Kennedy Center's educational media program.

DC Has No Food

Back in November, writer Andrew Hiller spoke here on Metro Connection about DC's lack of a culinary identity - not that there was a shortage of great food around town but that DC wasn't known for any specific entree. His piece inspired many of you to send e-mails telling us exactly what the District's defining dish should be.

Andrew Hiller realizes saying DC has no food may be considered fighting words. If you'd like to nominate an entree to represent the city, give us a call. We'll try to read some of your suggestions on the air and see if we can pick an official dish.