Discusses the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects of California and Hawaii.

Examines the geography, history, culture, and people of Washingon, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.

Discusses the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects of each state.

Discusses the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

In “Being Miss America”, Kate Shindle interweaves an engrossing, witty memoir of her year as Miss America 1998 with a fascinating history of the pageant. She explores what it means to take on the mantle of America's "ideal," especially considering the evolution of the American female identity since the pageant's inception. Shindle profiles winners and organization leaders and recounts important moments in the pageant's story, with a special focus...

Sun Ra said he came from Saturn. Known on earth for his inventive music and extravagant stage shows, he pioneered free-form improvisation in an ensemble setting with the devoted band he called the "Arkestra." Sun Ra took jazz from the inner city to outer space, infusing traditional swing with far-out harmonies, rhythms, and sounds. Described as the father of Afrofuturism, Sun Ra created "space music" as a means of building a better future for American...