WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

A Canopy of Glass and Steel

In some workplaces, the glass ceiling is higher than others - but we have a precise measurement on one. The new glass ceiling at the Old Patent Office Building is exactly 86 feet high. The building is currently home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. More accurately described as a canopy, the roof appears to float above the new courtyard, joining the museums in a waving grid of steel and glass. It's the final touch to six years of renovations. But adding a modern ceiling and courtyard to the oldest federal building in Washington posed some challenges. Stephanie Kaye grabbed a hard hat and a sneak peek at the courtyard, which opens with a public festival on Sunday.

Berta Rojas and DC's First Ibero-American Guitar Festival

For the last three years, classical guitarist Berta Rojas has been an adjunct professor of guitar at George Washington University and has called the DC region home. But she has never forgotten her roots. Born in Paraguay, she hosts annual competitions in her native country. And now she's Artistic Director of the first Ibero-American Guitar Festival at GW later this month. She's also back with a new CD, called Alma y Corazon - Heart And Soul. It's a collection of duets with acoustic guitar virtuoso, Carlos Barbosa Lima. Berta Rojas joins us in the studio with her guitar.

Fred Fiske - The Language Curmudgeon

Hide your dangling participles, the Language Curmudgeon is back in town. And none of us are safe from the wrath of senior commentator Fred Fiske.

Or should that be, "none of us IS safe?" .....

Progress Place

Volunteers work overtime during the holiday season, preparing turkey dinners for homeless people across the region. But the challenge of providing food for men, women and families in homeless shelters is there every day. In August alone, nearly 5000 meals were served to homeless people at Progress Place in Silver Spring. Andrew Hiller has this profile of two organizations housed under the 'Progress Place' roof.

The Dive Bar, the Wine Bar and the Lounge

Nightlife writer Fritz Hahn combs the bars and clubs of the DC region to uncover the latest trends and find the newest cool places. Today he steers us to three cool new bars in the city. He also reveals the ultimate spot to unwind with a drink in front of a roaring fire after a long day of holiday shopping.

Meg Roggensack: The Other Commute

Many of us do regular battle with DC area roadways during rush hour. But writer Meg Roggensack says there's a unique set of challenges for those who participate in what she terms 'other' commute.

Writer Meg Roggensack lives - and walks her dog - in the District.