The American Indians' ancient roots and current vitality have a new showcase in the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Native Americans were heavily involved in all stages of planning and development, culminating in a colorful and emotional dedication ceremony. In our cover story, "National Museum of the American Indian," Lea Terhune tells the story of the museum's creation, and the important symbolic role it can play for all Americans.

The globalization and consolidation of the media industry doesn't have to be the death knell of local media. Community radio-nonprofit owned and operated stations broadcasting to the immediate community-can play an important role in local mobilization and education. Laurie Kelliher looks at the growth and development of American community radio in "Low Power, High Intensity." But this phenomenon is not limited to the United States, as community radio is also taking off in India. Although in its infancy, the high demand for licenses suggests great potential for democratization of the airwaves, says Govind Singh in "Community FM in India."

What's in a name? Perhaps more than you think says James Gleick in "Get Out of My Namespace." With the globalization of business and the commercialization of the Internet, conflict is increasing over the use of names for everything from medicine to cars to your personal Web site address. Going from cyberspace to outer space, Dipesh Satapathy relates the history and accomplishments of U.S.-India collaboration in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics in "Celestial Collaborators."

Your next TV may actually respond when you talk to it. Advances in computer chip technology are making possible a whole new generation of electronics to make our lives easier and more fun. Read "Gadgets in the Superchip Age," by David H. Freedman, to learn about some equipment and features you may have been expecting, and some surprises. Indian expertise is playing a big role in translating technology breakthroughs into new gadgets. Several of the world's largest technology companies have set up research centers in India, working on technology that helps all of us overcome language barriers. Dinesh C. Sharma provides all the details in "Overcoming Language Barriers."

Explorers on the American frontier were often accompanied by artists. Their works were influenced by their cultural perspective, which in turn influenced other's perceptions of the West. Some beautiful historical artworks and their story are in "Have Palette, Will Travel," by Nell Boyce. You can enjoy still more impressive pieces in "Printmaking: Multiple Encounters," by A. Venkata Narayana, the story of a print exhibit that includes the work of 68 American and 65 Indian printmakers. This exhibition, the largest U.S.-India print exhibition ever, will be traveling to various sites throughout India. Shifting from the visual to the musical arts, we recognize the life and the passing of Artie Shaw, legendary clarinetist from the big-band era, in "Magic Wand," by Owen Edwards.

"Absence of Malice," by Ronald C. White, Jr., looks at the context and intent of one of America's greatest historical speeches, Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address delivered as the Civil War was winding down. Christopher Buckley takes us to the lighter side in "Mr. Lincoln's Washington," by contrasting the current and historical uses of Washington, D.C., sites related to Lincoln.

Democracy isn't just about national elections, but built by the daily actions of all citizens. We see how a program promoting local organization and democratic action helps lay the groundwork for democracy in "Democracy Is Elementary," by John Rosengren.

The high profile CEO of General Electric, Jeff Immelt, is working to instill values in everything the company does-from the business lines it enters to how it outsources work. Finding ways to combine doing good with making a profit would be immensely valuable for business worldwide. "Money and Morals at GE," by Marc Gunther, shows some ways that business is changing in this era of greater corporate responsibility. Business is already changing for all Americans used to writing checks. The check is on its way out, being replaced by electronic means of payment, but not everyone agrees that it is for the best. Read "Marked for Extinction," by Kim Clark.

We hope you enjoy this issue.