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Local Currencies

Former South African president Nelson Mandela once said; "Money won't create success. The freedom to make it will." Well, as the 'Go Local' movement has grown... and the recession has rocked the nation... people have been putting Mandela's statement to the test - literally. To 'create success' in their local economies, various communities across the U.S. are 'making' their own money - in the form of local currencies. At least 150 of these alternative moneys have sprouted nationwide... including several right here in the National Capital Region. Rebecca Sheir has the story.

Weatherizing Funds Drum-Up Questions

Next month, the District will begin 'weatherizing' the homes of low-income residents. It's part of the Obama Administration's effort to pump 5 billion dollars of stimulus money into state weatherization programs. The city has received 8 million dollars in stimulus funds for the program... ten-times what the program typically gets. As Patrick Madden reports, non-profit groups are benefitting from the boost in federal funds - including some you may not expect.

Fred Fiske: NFL Injuries

Washington's NFL franchise has been generating plenty of news coverage lately - much of it has focused on the team's injured relationship with its fans. But Commentator Fred Fiske wants to talk about injuries of a different sort.

Shakespeare in Trinidad

If William Shakespeare were alive today, which DC neighborhood would he call home? Would he be inspired by the politics and intrigue of Capitol Hill? Or would the Bard be drawn to the nightlife of Adams Morgan? Timothy Douglass, who is directing Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' at the Folger Theatre, has decided the Bard belongs in the northeast neighborhood of Trinidad. And with a generous helping of colorful props and island accents, bickering characters Beatrice and Benedick fit nicely in the middle of DC's Caribbean Carnival. Stephanie Kaye speaks with Douglass, and set designer Tony Cisek, about setting Shakespeare in Washington.

El Dia De Los Muertos

On Halloween, few will be surprised when skeletons march through Old Town Alexandrea on their way to the Torpedo Factory Arts Center. There, spirits will cluster around large public altars where masked figures place their 'ofrendas' or offerings... and if you listen carefully, you'll be able to hear the music of the dead.

'Ofrenda - Art for the Dead' is a collaboration between Art Outlet, an Arlington-based arts group, and the Torpedo Factory. Beginning at 3 pm, artists, musicians, face painters - and ancestors - will dance and sing as they celebrate the Day of the Dead. Andrew Hiller reports.

Wine with Dick Rosano: Halloween and Football

Peanut butter and jelly. Cookies and milk. Some things just go together. But wine and football? Wine and Halloween? Some would say these are unnatural pairings but wine writer Dick Rosano says 'Nonsense.' He writes for Food magazine and Wine News.

Meg Roggensack: Beware the Squirrel Costume

It's crunch time. That time when many of us find ourselves in a last-minute struggle to find a Halloween costume that suits us. Sadly, as writer Meg Roggensack explains, DOGS don't have a say in the matter. How else could they end up dressed as a squirrel?

Writer Meg Roggensack claims she never dressed HER pet in a costume that was anything less than tasteful. However, her friend can make no such argument. Observe the photo of "Ace."