http://www.wamu.org/programs/mcThis is not sound-bite radio. Metro Connection is an award-winning news magazine produced by WAMU. In-depth NPR-style news features, live sets with local musicians and visits to "Crummy But Good" restaurants - it's a fresh perspective on the communities and backyards surrounding the nation's capital.en-USCopyright WAMU 88.5 FM American University Radio - For Personal Use OnlyFri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400Fri, 21 Jul 2006 08:00:04 -0400Conundrum 2.0http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rsshttp://www.wamu.org/g/podcasts/metro_connection_75.jpghttp://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/7575http://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/06/07/21.php#11574Reading, writing and the "sweet science." Youth literacy and boxing don't always go hand in hand but that's the focus of a DC program run by former International Boxing Council lightweight champion Keely Thompson. A few years after he retired, he opened a gym to draw kids off the street and away from gangs with the lure of boxing. But to be permitted to fight, young boxers are required to attend literacy classes. Two years later, Thompson says the gang prevention program is stronger than ever. Lisa Nurnberger reports.Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400http://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/06/07/21.php#11595Nearly a year after the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Katrina, over a thousand evacuees from the Gulf Coast remain in the DC area, struggling to build a new life. We hear now about a program led by a man using his experience working with displaced persons in Afghanistan, Armenia and Bosnia, to help evacuees here in the District. Warren Harrity is Director of the United Methodist Committee on Relief's Katrina Aid Today program. His mission is to help those still residing in the District and scattered across the country figure out the next steps of their lives. It means dealing with immediate needs and guiding them toward goals that may take years to fulfill. WAMU's Stephanie Kaye spoke with Harrity about the huge obstacles facing many Katrina survivors. We want to hear from you - if you are a Katrina evacuee still living in the DC region, we'd like to hear YOUR story. Call our listener comment line at 202-885-1213, or email us at metro@wamu.org.Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400http://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/06/07/21.php#11596The summer months usher in heat waves, vacations at the beach and poolside fun. But summer brings another annual tradition: an increased need for donated blood. It's a problem for two reasons - during a season when demand typically increases, blood donations go down while many regular donors are on vacation. Jeanette Woods reports on an organization that is hoping to increase both the blood supply and the numbers of African American donors.Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400http://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/06/07/21.php#11597WAMU Senior Commentator Fred Fiske takes on the difficult and controversial subject of abortion, and government funded clinics in the U.S. that may not always be telling the truth to those they are meant to serve.Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400http://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/06/07/21.php#11598Virginia's U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent George Allen and Democratic challenger Jim Webb has been grabbing some national attention. Democrats say they have a good chance to pick up a seat. They say Webb, a Vietnam vet and former Republican, can pull in moderate and centrist voters. But Republicans aren't sweating - they say George Allen is an established politician, an affable guy and a household name in Virginia. Allen and Webb will debate for the first time this weekend. WAMU's Sarah Hughes spoke with Jennifer Duffy, editor of the Cook Political Report, about the debate. Duffy says both candidates are heavyweights and are well-matched.Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400http://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/06/07/21.php#11599Founded in 1706, Chestertown, on Maryland's Eastern Shore is celebrating its 300th anniversary. It's a town very proud of the fact that it has grown very LITTLE over the last 300 years. Strolling through the historic district, you don't have to look far to find very visible connections with its colonial past. Last summer David Furst met with Mayor Margo Bailey on the banks of the Chester River, one of the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Even though high-price historic homes were being restored at great expense all over town, Bailey said slow, slow, SLOW growth is the way she likes it. Chestertown, Maryland continues its 300th birthday celebration with the annual "Music Festival Weekend." It starts next Friday with more than 60 different performers playing in venues in the historic district and along the Chester River.Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400http://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/06/07/21.php#11600Washington Post nightlife writer Fritz Hahn joins us every few weeks to keep us up-to-date with the latest in DC nightlife. Today we grab our flip-flops and some tropical drinks (alcohol-free of course, in case the FCC is listening) and run-down some of DC's best summer nightlife options.Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400http://www.wamu.org/programs/mc/06/07/21.php#11601The daily commute always inspires its share of stress and annoyance, but writer Reuben Jackson says things have gotten much more annoying over the last several years. It all has to do with the technological miracle of handheld communications. Fearing he was out of touch with the rest of the world, Reuben sent a desperate SOS to Miss Manners. Reuben Jackson is a writer living in the District. He says if you ever catch him on a cell phone, you'll only find him whispering self-consciously...unless he's ranting about a recent Nationals game.Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:30:00 -0400