Despite the hand-wringing over the disappearance of local and regional cultures throughout the United States, many traditions and folkways are very much alive and well. One rather distinctive organization that studies and documents these traditions is the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures at the University of Wisconsin. Drawing on the strengths of the University and their knowledge...

What happened in the past is already being documented in the present for the future. This complexity is not lost on the talented people at George Mason University's History News Network (HNN). The HNN was started in 2002 and its mission is "to help put current events into historical perspective." The distinguished advisory board includes Pauline Maier of MIT and Walter Nugent of Notre Dame. Each...

Apparently there is still no business like show business, and KCRW Radio in Santa Monica isn't afraid to take on this sprawling sector of American economic and cultural life. The program is hosted by Kim Masters, a former entertainment-industry correspondent for National Public Radio. She's the author of several books on the business, and once a week she hosts this engaging program. Visitors to...