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Ken Burns' latest documentary explores the natural and cultural history of
Painting via Smithsonian American Art Museum; LaPier via UIUC

Best of: Illinois’ Rosalyn LaPier on her role in ‘The American Buffalo’

The buffalo sustained Native Americans for hundreds of generations — until they were hunted to near extinction in the 1800s. Those stories — and how the buffalo have recovered — are the subject of the latest documentary from Ken Burns, called “The American Buffalo.” University of Illinois Professor Rosalyn LaPier was featured prominently in the film. In October, before a live studio audience in Urbana, she talked with Brian Mackey about the film and her background as a member of the Blackfeet of Montana.

Ken Burns' latest documentary explores the natural and cultural history of
Provided by PBS: Bison by Craig Mellish, Ken Burns by Steve Holmes Photography

Best of: Ken Burns on ‘The American Buffalo’

The buffalo sustained Native Americans for hundreds of generations — until they were hunted to near extinction in the 1800s. Those stories — and how the buffalo have recovered — are the subject of the latest documentary from Ken Burns, called “The American Buffalo.” Today we’ll hear two conversations about the film. First, with Burns himself. Then, with one of the indigenous experts featured in the film — University of Illinois Professor Rosalyn LaPier.
 

Kate Clancy is a professor of anthropology and the author of

Best of: ‘Period’ book explores science and stigmas around menstruation

Despite the face that roughly half of humankind menstruates for much of their lives, the topic still carries a certain taboo, and many myths surround it — including in the science about it. We're revisiting our conversation with University of Illinois Professor Kate Clancy, whose book is "Period: The Real Story of Menstruation."

The holiday season often brings with it beer, wine, or other adult beverages — all of which can spell trouble for people who have problematic relationships with alcohol.
Jenny Kane/AP

Alcohol at the holidays

It's holiday party season, and with that comes alcoho. But where do the people who can't drink, or don't want to drink, fit in? And when does enjoying alcohol cross the line into something more problematic? We'll talk about with experts in addiction and treatment about booze and the holidays.

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