<p>Many American cities, including DC, have been trying to make themselves more pedestrian friendly in recent years. The idea is that the more a city can achieve peak 'walkability' - the more it can reduce the negative effects of driving and, in turn, improve public health. Reporter Kavitha Cardoza has been walking to work this summer but she's found it's not always as easy as it sounds. And she was totally unprepared for the obstacle course.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WAMU885MetroConnection/~4/365624267" height="1" width="1"/>
<p>For a different perspective on the issue of gardening and sidewalk obstructions, we speak with Kathy Jentz. She's the editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WAMU885MetroConnection/~4/365624268" height="1" width="1"/>
<p>Picking a place to live can be a huge decision - and some say that choosing a walkable destination is an essential factor in their home search. It stands to reason that if you can walk to everything you need, you'll stay out of your car and cut down on air pollution. But how do you really compare how 'walkable' one place is to another? Shawn Allee, based in Chicago, looks at a Web site that aims to make that comparison a walk in the park.</p>
<p>Our feature was produced and made possible by the Environment Report.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WAMU885MetroConnection/~4/365624269" height="1" width="1"/>
<p>Concern about global warming and the price of gas are fueling interest in sustainability. And that concept is at the core of the 'One Planet - Ours!' exhibition at the U.S. Botanic Garden on the mall. This enviro extravaganza showcases green rooftops and edible schoolyards. David Rabin visits an exhibit that sets out to give a good name to houses made of straw.</p>
<p>The 'One Planet - Ours' exhibition at the U.S. Botanic Garden runs until October 13th.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WAMU885MetroConnection/~4/365624270" height="1" width="1"/>
<p>From the growing list of hospital closings in urban centers, to the widespread use of emergency rooms as primary care centers, Senior Commentator Fred Fiske says you don't need a medical degree to realize America is experiencing a health care crisis. But he says a new plan to increase access to medical care in Maryland is one of the best ideas to hit the region in years.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WAMU885MetroConnection/~4/365624271" height="1" width="1"/>
<p>The Library of Congress has been running a Junior Fellows Program for four years now - bringing in young specialists in literature, music and history from around the country. These interns might not be forced to brew coffee and make lunch runs but they don't get to do much more than go through the mail. Of course, when that mail is addressed to the 'nation's library'... that can be pretty exciting. Stephanie Kaye dug through some of the interns' recently rediscovered treasures at the Jefferson Building on Capitol Hill.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WAMU885MetroConnection/~4/365624272" height="1" width="1"/>
<p>The word 'Chessie' means different things to different people. If you're a believer in local legend, Chessie is the name of a Loch Ness-style sea monster that dwells in the Chesapeake Bay. For train buffs, it was the name given to a kitten that served as the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad advertising mascot for 45 years. There's also a credit union and a porn star. But if you're a fan of local music, Chessie is the name of a critically-acclaimed duo - a duo whose entire body of music was inspired by the sound and movement of trains.</p>
<p>The latest album by Chessie is Manifest. We're joined by one half of the team, Stephen Gardner.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WAMU885MetroConnection/~4/365624273" height="1" width="1"/>
<p>Her recording career ended back in the 1960's. But writer Reuben Jackson says singer Jo Stafford's voice helped fuel several lifetimes of musical rewards.</p>
<p>Reuben Jackson is a writer living in the District.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WAMU885MetroConnection/~4/365624274" height="1" width="1"/>
