WAMU: Metro Connection

DC Remembers 1929

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0400

The phrase 'Great Depression' seems to be falling off everyone's lips these days. So today we turn back the clock. At the dawn of the 20th century, for the first time, regular citizens began buying on credit and the stock market became more accessible. This period laid the foundation for the modern economic system. But in 1929, the year considered the beginning of the Great Depression, banks closed, stocks lost 90 percent of their value and things became very difficult for regular citizens. For some area residents, these aren't just historical facts, figures and stories from a textbook. Kavitha Cardoza speaks with four seniors who lived through the Great Depression.

The Veteran Courts the Vets

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0400

According to the Department of Defense, since September of 2001, nearly 1.8 million American military men and women have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. And almost 350,000 have filed claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs for health related needs. During both presidential debates, Republican candidate John McCain mentioned veteran care several times - even saying he would be in favor of a total freeze of all government spending except on defense, veteran care and a few other essential programs. Senator McCain often speaks of his support for veterans, and there are reasons to believe he can expect their support in return on November 4th. But there are a few devils in the details. Andrew Hiller reports.

100 Years of Bees - and Beekeepers

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0400

The Maryland State Beekeepers Association turns 100 years old this weekend. And to mark its first century the group is throwing a honey harvest festival at the Brookside Gardens Visitors Center in Wheaton. We speak with Association member Toni Burnham.

The Maryland State Beekeepers Association's Honey Harvest Festival and 100th anniversary party is happening on Saturday, October 11th, at the Brookside Gardens Visitors Center in Wheaton, Maryland. It starts at 10 and runs to 4pm.

Remembering Not to Forget

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0400

DC's Duke Ellington School of the Arts is known as one of the top high schools for students pursuing careers in music, dance, theatre and visual arts. But as kids prepare for their futures, the theme for this school year is 'remembering.' An exhibit at the school's art gallery, showcasing the work of the group Black Artists of DC, is called 'Remembering Not to Forget.' Thirty-five artists have more than 60 pieces on display. Stephanie Kaye speaks with two them - Aziza Gibson-Hunter and Michael Platt, along with some of Duke Ellington's students and teachers.

Election Season Nightlife

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0400

With Election Day just over three weeks off, supporters of John McCain and Barack Obama really only have one thing on their minds. Well, winning yes. And the economy. And the war. And health care. But aside from all that, there's still the occasional need to blow off steam. And that's where Fritz Hahn comes in. Washington Post nightlife writer Fritz Hahn is back to help us navigate the world of DC nightlife during election season.

Music Review by Mark Jenkins - Gist

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0400

The local rock trio Gist has its own label, Red Stapler Records. And for several years, two of the group's members also ran their own Northwest DC music store, the now-defunct Revolution Records. The band has its own distinctive style. But critic Mark Jenkins says, that style has evolved significantly on Gist's latest album.

The new album by Gist is 'Conversations, Expectations.' Mark Jenkins reviews music for Blurt and the Washington Post - and reviews film for npr.org and reeldc.com