WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

Feedback From the Middle East

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's visit to Europe and the Middle East this week garnered media scrutiny worldwide. After touring Afghanistan and Iraq with U.S. Senators Chuck Hagel and Jack Reed, Obama flew to Jordan for a meeting with King Abdullah II, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. Most of the news coverage from the Middle East focused on Obama, not the people who live and work there. But as Amy Hybels reports from Amman, Jordan, many of those people are wondering what effect an Obama presidency would have on America's foreign policy.

Youth Voices - A Tiny Revolution

The National Institutes of Health says one in three Americans will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Though modern medicine has produced new cancer drugs and therapies, some say a technology called nano-medicine holds the most promise. Youth Voices reporter Sohayl Vafai explores this new avenue of research that combines medicine and technology that can fit on the head of a straight pin.

Our Youth Voices series is produced by Deborah Bolling.

Uncle Sam Wants YOU... to Work for a Federal Agency

More than 60 federal agencies are once again urging young Americans to 'make a difference though public service' by working for Uncle Sam. Many young Americans were on hand at a federal job fair held in the District. Kavitha Cardoza reports.

Fred Fiske - Obesity and Air Travel

Senior Commentator Fred Fiske says a trip overseas forced him to consider the issue of obesity and air travel.

Jim Henson's Fantastic World

It's time to get things started. It's time to light the lights. It's time for muppet fans to hit the Smithsonian International Gallery - where a new interactive exhibit celebrates the life and work of Jim Henson. "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" features some favorite creations, including Kermit, Burt, Ernie and Rowlf the Dog, as well as original artwork, sketches and interviews. The show is a Technicolor tour through the history and creative process of one of the University of Maryland's most famous graduates. Andrew Hiller visited the exhibit.

"Jim Henson's Fantastic World" will be at the Smithsonian International Gallery through October 5th. Jim Henson movies and rarely seen shorts are running at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring through August 24th.

Getting Serious About Ice Cream

Back in the mid-80's, President Ronald Reagan dubbed July 'National Ice Cream Month' - and for good reason. The U.S. ice cream industry generates more than 21 billion dollars in sales per year. About eight percent of all milk produced by dairy farmers is poured into producing ice cream. And as the weather heats up, many of us begin to fixate on the cool, tasty treat. In the past, we visited York Castle Tropical Ice Cream in Silver Spring, Max's in DC's Glover Park and Lazy Sundae - back when it was still located in Clarendon. Today we visit another group of local, non-chain establishments, ranging from Old Town Alexandria to College Park. Intrepid reporter Stephanie Kaye breaks out her sampling spoon.

Shops we visited:

Summer Delights 6939 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park MD 20912 (301) 891-2880

The University of Maryland - The Dairy In Turner Hall facing Route 1. Featuring famous University of Maryland Dairy ice cream, made-to-order deli sandwiches, hamburgers, sandwiches, pizza, prepared wraps, salads, sushi, freshly prepared soups, French fries, and chicken tenders. (301) 314-7777

The Scoop Grill 110 King St., Alexandria, VA 22307 (703) 549-4527

Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream 109 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 518-5374

Best Bets with Colleen Fay

Every few weeks arts critic Colleen Fay helps us make informed decisions on the many theatre, music and visual arts choices in town with her best bets. She's back with highlights for the dog days of summer.