WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

Growing Food, Not Lawns

We start the show with a woman on a mission to get us to dump the lawnmower and pick up a shovel. Many environmentalists have harsh words for the suburbs. They don't like how dependent 'burbs are on cars. They don't like the sprawl, the large houses, the huge lawns. They say it's a waste of land. But as Ashley Gross reports, one woman is on a campaign to transform those expansive lawns into something a little more productive.

Our piece was produced and made possible by the Environment Report.

The Maryland Online Farmers Market

There are many farmers markets in the region that sell locally grown produce. And now, a new service makes it even easier to connect directly with growers. The Maryland Online Farmers Market launched last month and promises to connect buyers and sellers with local food as soon as it is harvested.

Local Wines

From buying local produce we jump to local WINE. When most of us think about the great wine-growing regions, France, California and Italy immediately jump to mind. But wine writer Dick Rosano says reasons to consider locally produced wine move well beyond simple boosterism. Dick Rosano teaches wine classes and writes about wine in publications like Wine News and the Washington Post.

Source for home wine makers: S&S Wine Grapes and Equipment (443) 865-8090

Fred Fiske: The Language Curmudgeon

He's back. Senior Commentator Fred Fiske has once again donned his cape, sharpened his pencil... and assumed the role of his alter ego, the 'Language Curmudgeon.' Broadcasters beware.

Adult Double Dutch

Joy Jones was having a hard time getting motivated to work out. So decided she decided to get rid of the 'work' part of the equation and start playing again. She picked up a jump rope and between the stumbling and bumbling, she began to rediscover her rhythm. And she's attracted a following. Every Friday, people gather at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center on Michigan Avenue in the District for some good old fashioned double dutch. And we're not talking ice cream. Andrew Hiller reports.

The Adult Double Dutch group meets every Friday at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in Northeast DC. The jumping is free and starts at 6:30 pm.

The Covington String Quartet

Formed back in 2001, the Covington String Quartet has become a serious presence on the DC scene. They've also been developing a reputation as a group of musical detectives - tracking down the lesser-known works of classical composers. They have a performance at the Lyceum Museum in Alexandria on Sunday, August 24th where selections will include a piece by Anton Rubenstein that has never been recorded. And the quartet's most recent CD is 'Ludwig Van Beethoven - The Forgotten String Quartets.'

The Quartet joins us for an in-studio performance; Greg Pinny and Luke Wedge on violin, Will Hurd on viola and Frank McKinster on cello.

Mascot Madness

A changing of the guard has taken place at the Marine Barracks in Washington. Chesty the 12th, the Corps' beloved English bulldog mascot has retired... and Chesty the 13th has reported for duty. Kavitha Cardoza has more on a life of doggy dedication.

The Mascot Stalker

Forget about canine mascots, commentator Reuben Jackson says what you really want is a human being crammed inside a huge, goofy costume. Or... at least that's what HE wants.

Reuben Jackson is a writer, seeking help for his mascot stalking tendencies.