July/August 2006 Editor's Note Cultural Memory East and West at Arm's Length Middle East scholar Bernard Lewis reflects with NEH Chairman Bruce Cole on relations between Islamic and Christian societies. Gilded Splendor: A Nomadic Tribe Creates a Dynasty The Liao came from the steppes of Mongolia to erect a capital city that becomes Beijing. By Susan Saccoccia Cataloging the Cradle of Civilization Global positioning tracks archaeological sites in Iraq. By Cynthia Barnes Scenes of America Woody Guthrie: A Hard Travelin' Man A new film examines the life of the balladeer of the down-and-out. By Caroline Kim-Brown "It Is Who We Are" Folk music reflects a nation's changing traditions. By Maggie Riechers Making Meta-Connections Nineteen institutions combine resources to give a view of the American Northwest. By Johnna Rizzo Zap! Pow! Bam! How Superman and friends began to fight for the little guy. By Johnna Rizzo Around the Nation In Focus Julie Yoder brings a mix of experiences to the humanities in Arizona. By Maggie Riechers