WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

Math, Science... and American High Schools

Nobody thinks about having a pep rally for the math club... but it might not be a bad idea. By the time they reach high school, Americans fall behind many students overseas in math and science. In one standardized test taken by approximately a quarter million high school students all over the world, the U.S. lags behind 31 countries in math and 22 countries in science. Kavitha Cardoza visits with foreign-born high school students in the Washington area to talk about differences among school systems.

Tax Credits for Upgrades

The home energy efficiency tax credits in the economic stimulus package generated plenty of early buzz - hey, getting up to $1,500 back for installing insulation sounds great. And the promise of big money returns for new windows and efficient appliances led to a flurry of advertising. But has it actually stimulated home improvement projects? Tamara Keith checks it out.

This story comes to us from The Environment Report.

Fred Fiske: Casual Conundrum

Commentator Fred Fiske sometimes feels like a tuxedo in a blue jean world. But he does occasionally try to move with the more casually-dressed times.

Personal Historian Services

The idea of preserving family memories is nothing new. Many of us shoot countless photos and videos. But when it comes to documenting family stories and researching family histories... things can get more complicated. Especially if nothing has ever been written down and everyone starts forgetting the details. Now, even during the recession, the business of family story-gathering is growing. We're joined by Alli Joseph with Seventh Generation Stories - a company that offers 'personal historian services.'

Eva The Mule

The National Park Service has a new employee working along the C&O Canal. She's going through an extensive training period, but when she's up-to-speed Eva will only work a few hours a week. Eva is a mule. She recently arrived from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Stephanie Kaye visits with the park's animal caretaker, Ranger Mark Myers. He trains Eva and an unusual herd of government employees.

NOTE: The 13th Annual 'Life & Death on the C&O Canal' tour takes place on Saturday October 17, 2009 - - from 6:30-9:00 pm at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Maryland.

Food with Tim Carman: DC's Best Coffee

This week, Tim Carman tells us where to go for great coffee in DC - he highlights four shops that have recently opened in town. Tim writes about food for the Washington City Paper.

Music Review: Le Loup

Although Washington gets plenty of sun, it has rarely produced the sort of harmony-rich folk-rock that devotees call 'sunshine pop.' The Starland Vocal Band DID top the charts with 'Afternoon Delight,' but that was 33 summers ago. Now the local music scene has a new light source, Le Loup. According to critic Mark Jenkins, the DC quintet both emulates and outshines current indie-pop trendsetters.

Le Loup's new album is called 'Family.'

Critic Mark Jenkins reviews music for Blurt and the Washington Post - and reviews film for npr.org and reeldc.com