"Art Beat" with Stephanie Kaye - Weekend Events, May 9-11, 2008

May 09, 2008 - (May 8-May 31) VOLVI UNA NOCHE http://www.teatrodelaluna.org/temporada/t07/volvio/home_i.htm) premieres Thursday at the Gunston Arts Center with performances through May 31st. The play, written by Argentinean Eduardo Rovner, takes its title from a famous tango. The author will be in the house opening weekend, and this production marks the end of the season for Teatro de la Luna, Arlington's only Spanish-language theater.

(May 10) WALKING TOUR Walking Tour: Lessons from the Hyattsville Gateway Arts District takes place in downtown Hyattsville, Saturday at 11 a.m. A discussion about the Gateway Arts District as a tool for community revitalization will include a tour of the emerging main street development. Take in the sights of the newest major corridor in Hyattsville and see what's on the horizon.

(May 10 & 24) A MOVEABLE FEAST The Movable Feast: A Taste of DC Walking and Subway Tour departs this Saturday and next at 1:30 pm from the Archives-Navy Memorial Metro Station. You can travel with this three-hour nibble-and-nosh fest focusing on locally grown edibles. Hear tales of gastronomic history, visit Washingtons historic market neighborhood, and then hop on the Metro to visit two of DCs most famous drop-in eateries.

(May 10 & 11) DISCOVER SNAKES "Discover Snakes" is brought to you by your friendly neighborhood National Park Service this Saturday and next, at the visitors center auditorium from 1:00 to 2:00. You can discover more about these curvy creatures and why its important to protect them.

WAMU's "Weekend Planner" - Arts with Colleen Fay

May 09, 2008 - Today on the Weekend Planner, arts critic Colleen Fay is back with her "best bets" for D.C. area arts events. Speaking with David Furst, Colleen says a concert happening NEXT weekend at the Kennedy Center will feature a major D.C. premiere.

"Still I Rise" Promotes Youth Mental Health Awareness

May 09, 2008 - In the belief that kids can help kids get through tough times, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration brought local performers and national celebrities to U Street.

The mental health group is rolling out a new program, "Dare to Dream America," encouraging young people to promote positive mental health among their friends.

Stephanie Kaye was there...

Michael Vick Ordered to Pay Creditors

May 09, 2008 - Michael Vick is being ordered by a judge to pay $2.4 million dollars to the Royal Bank of Canada. Vick had argued that his conviction in the illegal dog fighting scandal prevented him from paying the money back.

Pat Brogan has more.

Tax Study Finds Middle and Low Income Virginians Pay Enough

May 09, 2008 - Middle and low income families would be unfairly burdened if Virginia`s General Assembly increases gas or sales taxes to fund transportation projects .

Tommie McNeil has the latest from Richmond ...

Prince William County Cracks Down On Drivers Failing To Move Over

May 09, 2008 - Prince William County police are targeting drivers who break Virginia's "Move Over" law. County police have launched an educational campaign to remind motorists about the state`s "Move Over" law, which requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when they see emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road. Sergeant Rich Nobles helped explain the new law to motorists on Thursday when he pulled over 70 drivers in two hours. "Move Over" law violations carry up to a 25-hundred dollar fine or one year in jail.

Jessica Forres reports...

Power Breakfast

May 09, 2008 - Capitol News Connection's "Power Breakfast"...a daily roundup of what's happening on Capitol Hill and at the White House.

"Still I Rise" with Ugly Betty's Marc Indelicato
Stephanie Kaye

May 08, 2008 - Today is Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. An event down on U Street Northwest is bringing attention to the psychological well-being of young people. Stephanie Kaye was at the sound-check...

A youth mental health group is at the Lincoln Theater, announcing a new program to get kids talking to other kids about life's problems.

To do that, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or "SAMHSA," recruited some high-profile youngsters, including Marc Indelicato who plays the young Latino cutie from the hit TV show "Ugly Betty."

"Still I Rise" celebrates the resiliency of youth, and the power of the performing arts to work through tough times.

DC Schools Promote Healthy Lifestyle

May 08, 2008 - DC has the highest rate of chilhood obesity in the country. As a result, Mayor Adrian Fenty has announced a new initiative meant to decrease the epidemic. The first of a kind pilot is being funded by a 100-thousand dollar grant from the General Mills Corporation. Four District non profits, that promote healthy eating and physical activity among children, will split this year`s award.Robert Eggers is the chair of the mayor’s commission on food and nutrition. He says investing in proper eating habits is a sound financial decision for the District.Award recipients will use the money to create personalized fitness and meal plans for children, among other things.

Jessica Golloher reports...

Metro Puts off Upgrades for More Important Repairs

May 08, 2008 -

Metro says it has delayed some projects to pay for much-needed repairs. General Manager John Catoe says the agency will forgo 100 million dollars in planned upgrades to help pay for the necessary repairs adding that it was necessary to prioritize projects in an effort to maintain the systems safety.

Catoe says some of the agencys immediate problems include deteriorating platforms, worn out tracks and damaged train cables.

Upgrades to elevators, escalators and parking lots, among other things, have been delayed as a result. But they will happen, according to the general manager.

Metro also plans to ask its board for another 48 million dollars to finish what it calls the most critical projects.

The agency has also recently been dealing with a budget deficit and raised fares earlier this year.

Jessica Golloher reports...

Commentary: National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
Jim Asendio

May 08, 2008 - It's National Children's Mental Health Awaresness Day and teen actor Marc Indelicato offers this commentary on the issue...

"The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WAMU 88 5 or American University.

What do you think?

Email us at commentaries@wamu.org".

Trucking Industry Lays Out Agenda
Gene Kuleta

May 08, 2008 - Leaders of the trucking industry are laying out an agenda they say will help the environment and save on fuel costs. Officials of the American Trucking Association say they are working with trucking companies and lawmakers to implement a series of recommendations designed to cut pollution and fuel usage. They include placing devices on trucks so that they can travel no faster than 68 miles per hour and also working with Congress to establish a national speed limit of 65 for all vehicles. Association president Bill Graves says the initiatives would help the environment and also help truckers' pocketbooks by saving them on diesel costs.

Gene Kuleta reports...

High Court in Maryland Refuses to Uphold Muslim Divorce Law

May 08, 2008 - Maryland's highest court has unanimously decided an Islamic form of divorce is NOT valid in the state.When Farah Aleem filed for divorce in Maryland after more than two decades of marriage.... her husband went to the Pakistani Embassy in the District... and performed "talaq." It's a provision of Islamic law that allows a husband to divorce his wife by saying "I divorce thee" three times. Both are Pakistani citizens.Priya Aiyar... attorney for the husband Irfan Aleem says the court showed insensitivity towards Pakistan's religious and cultural traditions. She says there was arbitration available to Farah Aleem in Pakistan... Kavitha Cardoza has more...

Reagan National Airport Prohibits Cabs Without Meters

May 08, 2008 - Taxis that lack time-and-distance meters soon wont be allowed to pick up passengers at Arlingtons Reagan National Airport. Meymo Lyons reports...

Virginia Launches You Tube Site

May 08, 2008 - Governor Kaine is pushing gubernatorial communication strategies into the digital age with his own channel on the popular video-sharing site, youtube.com.

Anne Marie Morgan has more from the Capitol.

Former DC School Official Pleads Guilty to Theft
Jessica Golloher

May 08, 2008 - A former DC School official, who oversaw the systems financial integrity, has pleaded guilty to embezzlement.

Jessica Golloher reports...

Cameras on Street Sweepers Target Parking Violations

May 08, 2008 - The DC Council is passing legislation that calls for cameras to be installed on the city`s street sweepers to ticket parking violations on street cleaning days.

Pat Brogan has more...

Fred Fiske on Iraq
Fred Fiske

May 08, 2008 - Senior Commentator Fred Fiske weighs in on the situation in Iraq - and the US military officers and advisers who are speaking out now about America`s mistakes.

Commentary by Dr. James Karmel

May 07, 2008 - A commentary by Deborah Bolling broadcast earlier this week on the significance of "race" in the contest between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democratic Party`s presidential nomination sparked a dialgoue among WAMU 88.5 listeners. It also prompted this response from Dr. James Karmel, an associate professor of history at Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland.

The Art of Aaron Douglas
Stephanie Kaye

May 07, 2008 - The work of one of the Harlem Renaissance`s most important figures is on display in downtown D.C. Stephanie Kaye reports on the modernist painter, Aaron Douglas...

It's cool and dark in the gallery at the Smithsonian's American Art Museum. But spashes of color in purple, greens and blues jump off the walls. They're instantly recognizable from popular posters and book covers. Yet these works put African Americans at the center of a mainstream art movement. Virginia Mecklenburg curated the Douglas exhibit, and says part of the strength of his work is how he addressed issues of African American repression and success within one painting. His work continues to influence artists today.

A major symposium on Friday afternoon and family events over the weekend kick off the exhibit.

District Secures Over 20 Million for Technology in Public Schools
Jessica Golloher

May 07, 2008 - The District has secured more than $20 million in federal funding to infuse the city's under-performing schools with new technology.

Mayor Adrian Fenty made the announcement at the city's first Technology and Education summit. The event was meant to bring people from across the country together to learn how to better educate students through emerging technology.

Vivek Kundra is with the District. He says as far as technology goes, the city needs an upgrade.

There is one catch however: the District must prove that it used the grant money properly and that the city has the right accounting and oversight infrastructures in place. If it doesnt the District will not be able to secure funds in the future.

In the past, the city has had what many call lax oversight when it comes to dispersing and accounting for funds.

Kundra says the District now has the proper safeguards in place.

Jessica Golloher reports...

Washington Area Air Travel Receives Good Grades
Gene Kuleta

May 07, 2008 - A new report on air travel has relatively good news about the Washington area`s three major airports. The report from the U.S. Department of Transportation lists BWI-Marshall International Airport as the second-best major airport in the country for on-time arrivals in the first three months of the year. BWI had on time arrivals for about 76 percent of flights. It was topped only by Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Vahid Motevalli directs the Aviation Institute at George Washington University. He says BWI has done a good job of managing increased air traffic. Reagan National Airport was number four on the list and was among the airports that most improved from the first quarter of last year, when it ranked 24th. Dulles International Airport is ranked 22nd, placing it in the bottom half of the list.

Gene Kuleta reports...

"Art Beat" with Stephanie Kaye - Thursday, May 8, 2008

May 07, 2008 - (Through June 15) THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL The School for Scandal is on stage at the Folger Shakespeare Theater through June 15th. Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, this crowd-pleasing repertory piece tells the tale of true loves - revealing true characters - when tested amid gossip, clever pretense, and compromising situations. It’s a witty comedy of very bad manners and utterly irresistible folly.

(Through June 7) CRUMBLE Meanwhile, Crumble is running on the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop through June 7th. Crumble is the wistful story of a young, lonely girl who fantasizes about Justin Timberlake and her widowed mother, who has her own whimsical fantasies about Harrison Ford. Their neglected apartment even appears as a character, reminiscing about the days it was better cared for. The May 7th through 9th performances are "pay-what-you-can," which hopefully is a lot, since ticket sales on those nights will benefit the displaced merchants of Eastern Market.

(May 8) SCENES FROM THE AVENUE Singer songwriter Laura Baron is throwing a party for her new CD "Scenes From the Avenue" at Alexandrias [Athenaeum](http://www.nvfaa.org/) tonight at 8:00. Possessing both a poets sensitivity and a velvety voice, Baron will be joined by blues guitarist Sol Creech, bassist Pat Quinn and Ron Goad on drums, as they perform Baron`s original jazz, blues and contemporary acoustic music.

"Art Beat" with Stephanie Kaye - Wednesday, May 7, 2008

May 07, 2008 - (May 7) POKER NIGHT You can take a gamble at Poker Night at the Rhino Bar in northwest D.C. this evening from 7:00 to 10:00. Once considered a shady game with its origins embedded in riverboat-riding cheats and horseback outlaws, poker has since evolved into a respectable "sport" now being played worldwide. Tonight, Las Vegas-style card experts will teach you exactly when to hold em, and when to foldem.

(May 7-9) SYMPHONY FOR 5TH GRADERS The Strathmore Student Concert Series plays to 10- and 11-year-olds today through Friday, as the music hall hosts youth-friendly performances for 5th graders in Montgomery County. The concerts at Strathmore bring the world-class Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to six interactive professional recitals featuring music by Copland and new works.

(May 7-11) CINDERELLA, THE BALLET The Washington Ballet Performs Cinderella at the Warner Theatre tonight through Sunday. An extra special extravaganza for all ages, the ballet combines opulent beauty, athleticism…and even a little schtick, with its dazzling costumes and Prokofiev`s ultra-lush score. Audiences will once again witness the world-famous tale of a poor young girl, her fairy godmother, and the unexpected love of a dashing Prince.

(May 8) MEXICAN TABLE Thursday, May 8, 2008, 6:30 pm The Mexican Cultural Institute presents "Mexican Table" tomorrow (Thursday) night at 6:30. Budding gastronomers and seasoned gourmets will embark upon a culinary journey to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Attendees will prepare an authentic South-of-the-Border meal, as they explore a wide array of spices and unusual cooking techniques.

Volunteers Gather to Help Build Affordable Housing in DC
Jessica Golloher

May 07, 2008 - Good Samaritans from across the country gathered in Northeast DC to lend a helping hand in an effort to build affordable housing for District residents. The volunteers worked in conjunction with members of the International Code Council in town for Building Safety Week.

Jessica Golloher reports...

REPORT CRITICIZES NEW IMMIGRATION LAWS IN FREDERICK COUNTY, MD
Jessica Forres

May 07, 2008 - Immigration advocates have released a report criticizing a new immigration enforcement program in Frederick county Maryland that it says will cost the community millions of dollars .

Jessica Forres has more...

DC School Truancy Rates in Question

May 07, 2008 - School administrators told the federal Department of Education that Anacostia High School in Southeast experienced a nearly forty six and a half percent truancy rate in 2007. But the Districts website shows the same school had an attendance rate of 81 percent. And Anacostia isnt the only District high school with conflicting truancy and attendance rates.

The discrepancies led Jessica Golloher to investigate...

University of Richmond Calls Off Hunt For Gunman

May 07, 2008 - University of Richmond and local police have called off their initial search for a gunman spotted on campus. The university had been placed on lockdown Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock after a man was observed in the library wearing a fake beard and carrying an army-style duffle bag.

Meymo Lyons has more...

Gas Prices Create a Domino Effect of Hardship on D.C. Pizzeria

May 07, 2008 - Gas prices reach new record highs daily. The price of flour is skyrocketing. All these problems create new challenges for businesses.

Faryl Ury examines recent economic hardships through the eyes of an Italian restaurant owner, a pizza delivery man and a loyal customer who frequents the pizzeria.

Deborah Bolling Commentary

May 06, 2008 - As voters prepare to cast ballots in the Indiana and North Carolina primaries, many are wondering what effect "race" will have on the outcome. Commentator Deborah Bolling weighs in on the issue...

Maryland Superdelegates go to Obama

May 06, 2008 - Senator Barack Obama has won the support of three more Maryland superdelegates for his presidential bid...

Gene Kuleta reports.

VA Senate Race

May 06, 2008 - Jim Gilmore is running for the Republican Senatorial nomination and going after Mark Warner, who recently kicked off his campaign.

Maryland Governor Renews Call for Slots

May 06, 2008 - Faced with a tight fiscal situation, Marylands governor continues to campaign for slots. Governor Martin OMalley is warning that if a referendum on slot machine gambling fails in november, the state will be forced to make a lot of unpopular choices .

The governor says that the gambling machines would make up about 25%,of whats needed to balance the states budget. The remainder would come from $1.4 billion dollars in tax increases approved last year, and $1billion in budget cuts. In the past the governor has said the state could lose the Preakness Triple Crown race without the slots. Opponents, including fellow democrat and state comptroller Peter Franchot have said that slots would ruin Maryland`s character. Sabri Ben-Achour reports

National Teacher's Day

May 06, 2008 - Today is National Teacher Day and students nationwide are coming together to show support for their mentors.

Jessica Golloher has details....

Politicos Perform in "Will on the Hill"
Stephanie Kaye

May 06, 2008 - Each year, politicians take to the stage in D.C. to present "Will on the Hill," a Shakespearean parody. Stephanie Kaye caught the latest production at the Harman Hall, where the curtain had to be held until all of the "players" showed up...

"Will on the Hill" is an evening of schtick and Shakespeare that benefits local education programs and brings the Bard into DC's classrooms. And though members of Congress may be known for their oratory...punctuality is not one of their strengths.

Nonetheless, when the show finally did go on, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton was part of the cast. Backstage, the politician-actress explained why the curtain was delayed.

Despite the tardy policymakers, "Will on the Hill" raised a quarter of a million dollars for the Shakespeare Theatre's education programs.

"Will on the Hill" Raises Money with Politicians

May 06, 2008 - The annual "Will on the Hill" brings politicians and politicos to the Shakespeare Theater to perform, raising money for education programs. The event raised a quarter of a million dollars for education programs.

Stephanie Kaye was at last night`s performance...

Many Pay Tribute to Fallen Officers at 14th Annual Blue Mass

May 06, 2008 - People from around the country gathered to pay tribute to police officers who have died in the line of duty.

Jessica Golloher was at the 14TH annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Northwest DC.

Earthquake Confirmed in Northern Virginia

May 06, 2008 - There are no reports of damage in the wake of a small earthquake that struck the DC area this afternoon.The earthquake was centered in Fairfax County Virginia according to Bruce Presgrave with the U.S Geological Survey`s, Earthquake Information center..The rumblings rattled parts of Northern Virginia including Baileys Crossroads, Vienna, Annandale and Falls Church - around 1:30 p.m. Presgrave says seismologists wound not expect any damage ... Meymo Lyons has more...

May Elections in Virginia

May 06, 2008 - Media outlets have focused a great deal of attention on the U-S presidential primaries taking place today in North Carolina and Indiana. But it’s also election day in Virginia ... in 87 localities throughout the state.

Anne Marie Morgan has more from the Capitol.

Maryland Moves to Assist Struggling Homeowners

May 06, 2008 - Officials in Maryland say many homeowners facing foreclosure are not taking advantage of free state services that can help them. They hope a new ad campaign changes that. The new campaign features ads on buses, in newspapers.. and on radio. Maryland`s housing secretary, Raymond Skinner, says many distressed homeowners are either unaware that the state can help them or are embarrased about falling behind on their mortgage.He says homeowners should call the state Department of Housing and Community Development in order to reach a counselor who can help them explore options and possibly save their home. The hotline number is 877-462-7555.

Gene Kuleta reports...

Ray Davis Celebrates 60 years On The Air

May 06, 2008 - Ray Davis has been a part of radio in the Mid-Atlantic region for six decades....many of them right here on WAMU 88 5. Andrea Seabrook has more...

Three Day Care Managers Charged With Failing to Report Abuse

May 06, 2008 - Loudoun County Sheriff`s Office has charged three daycare managers with failing to report the suspected abuse of a child.

A person reported seeing a teacher shake a toddler at Kinder Care Day Care Center in Ashburn in January. The witness told the sheriffs office that 53-year-old Linda Smith of Reston, 35-year-old Estrella Levy of Dumfries and 28-year-old Adrienna Ballato were made aware of the incident. But officials say they never informed the county sheriffs office or Child Protective Services, as required by law.

All three are charged with failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $500.

Meymo Lyons has more...

Mark Warner Launches Bid for Senate

May 06, 2008 - Former Governor Mark Warner has embarked on his four-day, 11-stop tour of Virginia.....in his bid to win a U-S Senate seat.

Connie Stevens has this report.

"Art Beat" with Stephanie Kaye - Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Stephanie Kaye

May 06, 2008 - (May 6) FORGET ME NOT Portions of Forget Me Not, A Memoir will be read by the widow of legendary mountain climber Alex Lowe, at the National Geographic`s Grosvenor Auditorium tonight at 7:30. The chilling tale was written by Alex's wife, Jennifer, who found solace in Conrad Anker, her husband's climbing partner, after Alex's death in an avalanche on a Tibetan mountain. In a surprising twist of fate, the pair eventually married. The memoir offers a portrait of the climber through his letters and expedition notes, while telling the story of three individuals whose lives intertwined more than they could ever have imagined.

(May 9-Aug 3) AFRICAN AMERICAN MODERNISM The Smithsonian American Art Museum presents the first major retrospective of African American modernist painter Aaron Douglas, opening Friday. This premier showcase of Douglas' work explores the ideas and images of one of the most influential painters to emerge from the Harlem Renaissance, capturing the vibrant spirit of a truly original black aesthetic and vision.

(May 7) TRAVEL TO THE TEQUILA LANDSCAPE Cinco de Mayo is over, but you can still Travel to the Tequila Landscape on an educational tasting tour at the Mexican Cultural Institute in northwest DC tonight at 6:30. Sip the night away with historians and tequila experts as you take a virtual trip through the blue agave landscape, exploring the history, manufacture and marketing of tequila and sampling the amazing variety of flavors of this intoxicating Mexican spirit. NOTE: The venue for the tequila tasting has moved to the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C. You can RSVP to 202-728-1675 or pay at the door.

(Through Jul 27) NOCHE CRIST Check out the fabulous art and exciting life of Noche Crist at the Katzen Arts Center through July 27th. Noche, a Romanian emigrant, was Washington's unofficial doyen of decadence for nearly 60 years. The recreation of her infamous boudoir is only one of the unusual installations being featured in this sexy posthumous retrospective.

Montgomery County Budget Cuts

May 06, 2008 - A Montgomery County Councilwoman says additional across the board budget cuts are necessary.

Patrick Madden reports...

Principals Not Returning

May 06, 2008 - 30 DC principals will not be returning to school next year.

Sabri Ben-Achour has more...