Whiting, Jim

Provides brief biographies for the television judges of "American Idol, " which features Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell; and describes each of the judge's professional accomplishments, and other related topics.

Presents a brief biography of James Watt, the nineteenth century inventor, and provides information on his childhood, his education, and his achievements in science, including how he invented the Steam Engine, providing power to factories around England.

A brief biography of Peter Stuyvesant, who became the last Director-General of New Netherland between 1647 and 1664 when New Amsterdam was captured by the British.

Presents a short biography of thirteenth-century Mongolian leader Genghis Khan, and describes the legends and stories about his empire which engulfed that of Alexander the Great.

A short biography of late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century English scientist John Dalton that profiles his life and works which included his research on atomic theory.

Presents a brief overview of the Cuban Missle Crisis, describing the roots of the conflict, and how it impacted world politics.

A biography of the creator of the popular "Peanuts" comic strip.

Describes the origins of Zionism and events surrounding the creation of Israel in 1948, discusses the history of conflict between Jews and Arabs over control of the region, and features essays on related topics, including the Spanish Expulsion, displaced persons camps, and others.

Discusses the training it takes to be a mixed martial artist, looks at some of the techniques the fighters use, and examines highlights of significant matches.

Chronicles the history of mixed martial arts from ancient Greece to the early twenty-first century, and looks at some of the skills used in modern mixed martial arts.