GeoQuiz Saturday, December 31st, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Presidents' Day
• World Geography: Aconcagua's Beginnings of Orogeny...
• Interesting Article: Pennsylvania - A Political Drama...

As we wrap up 2005 and being 2006, I'd like to recount so amazing and devestating events all around the world. Let us begin with a list of these events:

• Hurricane Katrina
• War in Iraq
• Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
• President Bush's 2nd Term
• Etc.

What else can you think of?

FACT: Did you know that, at Disneyland, they have hundreds of wild domesticated cats running around the park to catch mice during night?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Martin Luther King Day was first observed as a federal holiday on January 15, 1986.

Today's question: Presidents' Day is the popular name of a holiday celebrated in February. M any people have come to also celebrate it as what president's birthday?

• a. Theodore Roosevelt
• b. Franklin Roosevelt
• c. Ulysses S. Grant
• d. Abraham Lincoln

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. The Aconcagua River empties into the Pacific Ocean in Chile.

Today's question: In the recent Andean orogeny, Aconcagua was built by the subduction of the __ Plate under the __ Plate.

• a. South American/North American
• b. South American/Pacific
• c. South American/Nazca
• d. Nazca/South American

WORD OF THE DAY: parley - a conference or discussion

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051230/ap_on_el_gu/senate2006

GeoQuiz Friday, December 30th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Martin Luther King Day...
• World Geography: Aconcagua River...
• Interesting Article: iPods and Ears...

FACT: Did you know that the only nation whose name begins with an "A", but doesn't end in an "A", is Afghanistan?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Saint Eligius began the Pagan tradition of New Year's Day.

Today's question: Martin Luther King Day was first observed on what day as a federal holiday?

• a. January 15, 1986
• b. January 20, 1986
• c. January 15, 1984
• d. January 16, 1984

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Aconcagua means "Stone Sentinel".

Today's question: The Aconcagua River stretches for about 320 km. It empties into which ocean in which country?

• a. Atlantic Ocean in Argentina
• b. Atlantic Ocean in Uruguay
• c. Atlantic Ocean in Brazil
• d. Pacific Ocean in Chile

WORD OF THE DAY: redolent - scented; aromatic

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051229/tc_nm/protect_ipod_dc

GeoQuiz Thursday, December 29th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New Year's Origins...
  
• World Geography: Aconcagua's Name's Origins...
  
• Interesting Article: Chicago Berghoff Restaurant Closing...
  

FACT: Did you know that in Idaho, a citizen is forbidden by law to give another citizen a box of candy that weighs more than 50 pounds?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Nguzo Saba means "The Seven Princples".

Before we go on to today's question, you may be asking why a geography site would bother establishing holidays as a topic. Well, I think that it's important to learn customs of different cultures and that cultures are an important part of geography.

Today's question: New Year's Day originated in the 7th century when Pagans in Flanders exchanged gifts. This Pagan custom was developed by what saint?

• a. Saint Amaron
• b. Saint Etilius
• c. Saint Eligius
• d. Saint Sapaya

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Cerro Aconcagua is in the province of Mendoza, Argentina.

Today's question: The origin of the name Aconcagua either comes from Arauca or Quecha. In both languages, Aconcagua means what?

• a. "Glorious Peak"
• b. "Stone Sentinel"
• c. "Sky Messenger"
• d. "Fortress Keep"

WORD OF THE DAY: nugatory - insignificant or ineffectual

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051229/ap_on_re_us/berghoff_closing

GeoQuiz Wednesday, December 28th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Kwanzaa...
• World Geography: Location Location Location...
• Interesting Article: Antidepressants and Brain Cells...

FACT: Did you know that on the new hundred dollar bill, the time on the clock tower of Independence Hall is 4:10?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. During Hanukkah, candles are placed left to right and lit right to left because Jews believe that new is better.

Today's question: Kwanzaa focuses on African cultural connectedness and also Nguzo Saba, which means what?

• a. "The Seven Principles"
• b. "The Cultural Spirit"
• c. "The People's Gathering"
• d. "The Cultural Connection"

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. M. Zurbriggen made the first ascent of Cerro Aconcagua in 1897.

Today's question: Cerro Aconcagua is located almost on the border of Chile and Argentina. In which country is it located?

• a. Chile
• b. Argentina

WORD OF THE DAY: callow - immature, lacking experience or experienced perception

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20051228/hl_hsn/antidepressantsmayspurbraincellgrowth

GeoQuiz Tuesday, December 27th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Hanukkah...
• World Geography: First Ascent...
• Interesting Article: Powell Supports Government Eavesdropping (Yahoo)...

FACT: Did you know that the first paperback book was published in 1935 by Penguin Publishing Books?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates Jesus' nativity.

Today's question: Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday without much religious significance, but of significance because of its closeness to Christmas, which is why it is well known. In Hanukkah, what is the procedure for lighting candles?

• a. Candles are placed left to right and lit left to right
• b. Candles are placed left to right and lit right to left
• c. Candles are placed right to left and lit left to right
• d. Candles are placed right to left and lit right to left

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Cerro Aconcagua is about 6,960 m high.

Today's question: The first ascent of Cerro Aconcagua was made by M. Zurbriggen in what year?

• a. 1903
• b. 1897
• c. 1978
• d. 1797

WORD OF THE DAY: egregious - outrageously bad

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051226/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/powell

GeoQuiz Sunday, December 25th, 2005 (Christmas!) and Monday, December 26th, 2005

Because I am going on vacation tomorrow, I will give you questions for today and tomorrow. Merry Christmas!

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Winter Holidays of America...
  
• World Geography: Cerro Aconcagua...
• Interesting Article: Christians in Bethlehem...
• United States Geography: Christmas...
  
• World Geography: Cerro Aconcagua's Height...
• Interesting Article: Bordellos' Artifacts Found...

FACT: Did you know that the longest Monopoly game ever played was 1,680 hours long, or 70 days?

FACT: Did you know that Malcolm Lowry had pnigophobia—the fear of choking on fish bones?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. African Americans are dominant in Dayton in terms of numbers.

This week's topic is the Winter Holidays of America.

Winter Holidays of America: There are many holidays celebrated during winter time in America, mostly due to immigrants from so many different countries. The seven winter holidays that we will relate to this week are: Advent, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Martin Luther King Jr.'s, and President's Day. Some are related to relgions or culture - Advent, Christmas (Christian), Hanukkah (Jewish), and Kwanzaa (African) - while others honor people - Martin Luther King Jr.'s and Presidents' Day. New Year's Day is celebrated at different times all around the world.

Today's question: Advent is sometimes considered a time when converts are readied for Baptism. It precedes Christmas as a whole season, so most Christians view Advent as what?

• a. a preparation for the second coming of Jesus
• b. a period to follow the footsteps of Jesus in his prophethood
• c. a time for giving to Jesus with sacrifice
• d. all of the above

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Advent is viewed as a preparation for the second coming of Jesus.

Today's question: Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates what?

• a. to give gifts
• b. to celebrate Jesus' death
• c. to celebrate Jesus' nativity
• d. to undo sins and cleanse the heart

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. 88.8% of Alberta's population is Caucasian.

This week's topic is................................................................................................... the Cerro Aconcagua!

Today's question: Cerro Aconcagua holds records for the highest mountain in what?

• a. the southern hemisphere
• b. the Americas
• c. outside of Asia
• d. all of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Cerro Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere, the Americas, and outside of Asia.

Today's question: The height of Cerro Aconcagua can be best measured at what height?

• a. 6,960 m
• b. 7,020 m
• c. 8,540 m
• d. 7,120 m

WORD OF THE DAY: plaintive - expressive of sorrow or melancholy

WORD OF THE DAY: moil - to labor; to toil; to drudge

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051225/ap_on_re_mi_ea/bethlehem_christmas

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051224/ap_on_re_us/memphis_dig

GeoQuiz Saturday, December 24th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Dayton's Demographics...
• World Geography: Alberta's Demographics...
• Interesting Article: Foreign Film Disqualified for Oscars...

FACT: Did you know that, in Baravia, beer is not considered an alcoholic drink, but rather a staple food?

UNITED STATES GEOGRPAHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Dayton, Ohio, lies in the west-central region of Ohio.

Today's question: Dayton has thousands of people and a growing population. Of this population, which race is dominant in numbers?

• a. Caucasian
• b. African American
• c. Asian American
• d. Hispanic

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Alberta borders Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and British Columbia.

Today's question: Alberta has a predominant Caucasian population. Of Alberta's population, what percent of it is Caucasian?

• a. 74.6%
• b. 88.8%
• c. 79.3%
• d. 87.3%

WORD OF THE DAY: expeditious - one who acts with speed or efficiency

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051222/ennew_afp/afpentertainmentus_051222194702

GeoQuiz Friday, December 23rd, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Geography of Ohio...
• World Geography: Geography of Alberta...
• Interesting Article: Ice Age Footprints...

FACT: Did you know that Trivia is the Roman goddess of sorcery, hounds and the crossroads?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Dayton has the oldest electronic trolley bus system in the United States.

Today's question: Dayton is situatated in the Miami River Valley, north of Cincinnati, south of Toledo, southwest of Columbus, and east of Richmond, Indiana. Can you guess in which region most government designations place it in?

• a. west-central Ohio
• b. southeast Ohio
• c. Indihio region (border between Indiana and Ohio)
• d. southwest Ohio

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. The establishment of trading posts near Edmonton and up north ended the squabbling between the British and the French.

Today's question: Alberta is well situated in a moderate climate for Canada. It borders three provinces and/or territories. What are they?

• a. Nihao, Hola, and Bonjour
• b. Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Eastern Territories
• c. Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Ontario
• d. Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Northwest Territories

WORD OF THE DAY: obviate - to prevent with interception; to stop by stopping

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051222/ap_on_sc/ancient_footprints

GeoQuiz Thursday, December 22nd, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Dayton of Many Firsts...
• World Geography: Alberta's History...
• Interesting Article: X-Rays Can Detect Lung Cancer Early...

FACT: Did you know that the number one cause of blindness in the United States is diabetes?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Dayton is like a gem in its beauty, wealth, and refinement.

Today's question: Dayton is the home of many firsts. It was the first city in the United States to adopt the council-manager system of city government. Also, it was one of the first to offer and still offers what service?

• a. Airport Checker Cab (to and from the airport)
• b. Subway systems
• c. Electric trolley bus systems
• d. none of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Alberta leads in beekeeping against all of the other provinces of Canada.

Today's question: At the time of the incorporation of Hudson's Bay Company in 1670, Alberta was still part's of Rupert's Land. Not until 1731 did the French begin to settle in the northwest, settling communities. Along with what action did the squabbling between the British and French over the area cease?

• a. the establishment of trading posts near Edmonton and up north
• b. the building of two military forts, Fort Athabasca and Fort Chipewyan
• c. the French-Indian war
• d. the possession of Lake Athabasca as a major naval station

WORD OF THE DAY: ribald - characterized by using vulgar humor

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051220/ap_on_he_me/lung_cancer

GeoQuiz Wednesday, December 21st, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The "Gem City"...
  
• World Geography: Alberta Leads Canada...
  
• Interesting Article: Kerry Criticizes Bush's Spying...
  

FACT: Did you know that the first words that Thomas A. Edison spoke into the phonograph were, "Mary had a little lamb."?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Dayton, Ohio, was incorported in 1805.

Today's question: Dayton carries many nicknames. Among them is the "Birth of Aviation" because of the Wright Brothers' birth in Dayton. Another nickname is "Gem City", although its origins are unknown. What is the most believed theory of "Gem City"?

• a. Gems have been found in Dayton over the centuries.
• b. Satellite images show Dayton as a white gem.
• c. Dayton is like a gem in its beauty, wealth, and refinement.
• d. A well-known race horce, "Gem", hailed from Dayton.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Calgary is Alberta's most populous city and metropolitan area.

Today's question: Significant products have their places in Alberta's economy. Agriculture and domestication of livestock raises 5 million cattle at one point or another. While agriculture has its place in Alberta's exports around the world, what does Alberta lead all of the other provinces of Canada?

• a. lumber
• b. beekeeping
• c. manufacturing
• d. services

WORD OF THE DAY: quaff - to drink with relish and luxury

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051220/ap_on_go_co/kerry_domestic_spying

GeoQuiz Tuesday, December 20th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: A Bicentennial Celebration...
• World Geography: Alberta's Large Cities...
• Interesting Article: NY Commuters Brace for Strike...

FACT: Did you know that more people use blue toothbrushes than red ones?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Dayton's broad streets allowed larger amounts of people to trade.

Today's question: As of this year, 2005, Dayton will have been ____ for two centuries. What is the blank?

• a. founded
• b. incorporated
• c. settled in
• d. all of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Alberta stands out for its gas products.

Today's question: Alberta is full of large cities. Alberta's most populous city and metropolitan is which city?

• a. Banff
• b. Camrose
• c. Wetaskiwin
• d. Calgary

WORD OF THE DAY: defenstrate - to throw out of a window

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051220/ap_on_re_us/nyc_transit_talks

GeoQuiz Monday, December 19th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Dayton, the Trading City...
• World Geography: Alberta's Industry...
• Interesting Article: King Kong's Unremarkable Start...

FACT: Did you know that the fortune cookie was invented in 1916 by George Jung, a Los Angeles noodlemaker?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Wilbur and Orville Wright raised money for their aviation projects with a bike shop in Dayton, Ohio.

Today's question: Dayton, as a huge trading city in its age, reaped profits from trade and taxes. Not only did its wealth make it popular to trade with, but also another factor that helped larger amounts of people to trade. What was it?

• a. Couriers were sent with advertisements to different cities.
• b. Telegram operators used telegrams to send advertisements.
• c. Dayton was very open and allowed many people to trade due to its sheer size.
• d. Dayton had broad streets that could move large amounts of carts.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Alberta only borders Montana.

Today's question: Alberta is a very industrious place. It stands out for which of its products?

• a. rice
• b. gas products
• c. manufacturing
• d. automobiles

WORD OF THE DAY: canorous - richly melodious

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/weekendboxofficea.html

GeoQuiz Sunday, December 18th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Dayton, Ohio...
• World Geography: Alberta, California...
• Interesting Article: Protests Against WalMart...

FACT: Did you know that Lyndon B. Johnson was the first president of the United States to wear contact lenses?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Only Lake Baikal and the polar ice caps have more water than the Great Lakes.

This week's topic is not as big as a state, an environment, or even a lake. In fact, today's topic is picked up as Dayton, Ohio!

In the later half of the eighteenth century, Dayton was a site of constant warfare between the French, Indians, and later, the British. The first All-American Soap Box Derby was even held in Dayton in 1934! Dayton is a center of major industry, aerospace, and research. The city was named after General Jonathan Dayton.

Today's question: As you probably know, Wilbur and Orville Wright invented the airplane. They even grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and were able to raise money for their aviation invention. How did they do this, and where?

• a. A puppet theater in Columbia, South Carolina
• b. A bike shop in Dayton, Ohio
• c. Inventing the Land Speed Record Racer in Dayton, Ohio
• d. A candy shop in Charlotte, North Carolina

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Orellana was the first one to acutally sail on the Amazon River.

This week's topic is the province of Alberta, Canada.

Alberta is very friendly and full of festivities. In fact, Edmonton's Fringe Festival is the world's second largest! Alberta hosts many of Canada's festivals and holidays. It also boasts Chinese and East Indian communities. Alberta has professional hockey, football, rugby, and lacrosse teams. It is a very frivolous place.

Today's question: Alberta, Canada, only borders one US state. What is it?

• a. Minnesota
• b. Montana
• c. Idaho
• d. North Dakota

WORD OF THE DAY: blackguard - a rude or unscrupulous person

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051218/ap_on_re_us/wal_mart_holidays

GeoQuiz Saturday, December 17th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Great Lakes...
  
• World Geography: European Exploration...
  
• Interesting Article: Bush Approves Eavesdropping...
  

FACT: Did you know that the Aztec Indians of Mexico believed turquoise would protect them from physical harm, so warriors used these green and blue stones to decorate their battle shields?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The corrrect answer to yesterday's question is d. Ohio has the most lighthouses on Lake Erie.

Today's question: As we wrap up Lake Erie, I would also like to study the other Great Lakes. Lake Erie holds six quadrillion gallons of freshwater. In only which two locations are there more freshwater than at the Great Lakes?

• a. Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean
• b. Lake Baikal and polar ice caps
• c. Himalayan Plateau and Alaskan Plate
• d. none of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Nevado Mismi in the Peruvian Andes is the source of the Amazon.

Today's question: European exploration of the Amazon actually began in 1541. But the first European, a Portugese, to actually sail the river was whom?

• a. Teixeira
• b. Orellana
• c. Acuna
• d. Artieda

WORD OF THE DAY: staid - sober; grave

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051217/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_nsa

GeoQuiz Friday, December 16th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Lake Erie's Lighthouses...
  
• World Geography: The Amazon's Source...
  
• Interesting Article: Hottest Toys of the Season...
  

FACT: Did you know that theaters in Glendale, California, are only allowed to show horror films on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. In Lake Erie, seiches can reach up to 16 ft.

Today's question: Fifteen main lighthouses in the United States are located on the southern coast of Lake Erie. Of the four states that border Erie, which state has the most lighthouses in Lake Erie?

• a. New York
• b. Pennsylvania
• c. Michigan
• d. Ohio

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. The best estimated length of the Amazon River is 6,800 km.

Today's question: The Amazon River contains a lot of freshwater! But from which source does it come from?

• a. Lake Baikal
• b. Mt. Apurimac in the Peruvian Andes
• c. Nevado Mismi in the Peruvian Andes
• d. Lake Titicaca

WORD OF THE DAY: cerebration - the act or product of thinking

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://biz.yahoo.com/special/giftguide05_article2.html

GeoQuiz Thursday, December 15th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Seiches...
  
• World Geography: Amazon vs. Nile...
  
• Interesting Article: CIA Leak Investigation...
  

FACT: Did you know that honeybees have hair in their eyes?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Cities in Ohio, mainly Cleveland and some others, were the main pollutors of Lake Erie in the June 1969 incident.

Today's question: Lake Erie's shallowness makes it prone to seiches. Because of its shallowness, Lake Erie has seiches that can reach up to what height?

• a. 6 ft
• b. 10 ft
• c. 16 ft
• d. 25 ft
  

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. The Amazon River's width can reach up to 35 km during the wet season.

Today's question: The Amazon River and the Nile River are the world's two longest rivers. While the lengths of the Amazon and the Nile are debated, which is the best estimate of the length of the Amazon?

• a. 6,100 km
• b. 6,800 km
• c. 7,500 km
• d. 8,200 km
  

WORD OF THE DAY: improvident - lacking foresight or forethought

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/cia_leak_investigation

GeoQuiz Wednesday, December 14th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Pollution of Lake Erie...
• World Geography: Amazon's Wet Season...
• Interesting Article: American Red Cross Resignation...

FACT: Did you know that four men in the history of boxing have been knocked out in the first eleven seconds of the first round?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Lake effect snow of Lake Erie goes to Buffalo, New York.

Today's question: In June 1969, one of Lake Erie's tributaries was polluted heavily by petrochemicals, causing it to burn. Attention to Lake Erie cleanup efforst soon arose. Cities from which state were the main pollutors?

• a. New York
• b. Pennsylvania
• c. Ohio
• d. Michigan

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The Amazon Rainforest covers nine nations.

Today's question: During the wet season, the Amazon flood plains can cover 350,000 square km. What does the widest part of the river measure during the wet season?

• a. 35 km
• b. 40 km
• c. 50 km
• d. 75 km

WORD OF THE DAY: visage - look; appearance; aspect

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051214/ap_on_re_us/red_cross_resignation

GeoQuiz Tuesday, December 13th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Lake Effect Snow...
• World Geography: Amazon Rainforest...
• Interesting Article: Tea = A Cure?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Pelee Island is the only island in Lake Erie that belongs to Canada.

Today's question: Lake Erie produces lake effect snow, when cold winds pick up water vapor and freeze it, dropping it on land. The lake effect snow of Lake Erie moves south, causing what place to be one of the snowiest places in the United States?

• a. Dayton, Ohio
• b. Buffalo, New York
• c. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• d. Boise, Idaho

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. The Amazon River drains some 40% of South America.

Today's question: The Amazon River runs through the Amazon Rainforest. The rainforest encompasses 7 million square km and is in how many nations?

• a. seven
• b. eight
• c. nine
• d. ten

WORD OF THE DAY: wizened - dried; shriveled; withered

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051212/ap_on_he_me/tea_ovarian_cancer

GeoQuiz Monday, December 12th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The Islands of Lake Erie...
  
• World Geography: Amazon's Drainage Area...
  
• Interesting Article: African Families Home Schooling...
  

FACT: A theater manager in Seoul, Korea felt that The Sound of Music was too long, so he shortened it by cutting out all the songs.

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The American victory at the Batttle of Lake Erie allowed Americans to cut off British supplies and reinforcements.

Today's question: There are many islands in Lake Erie, including Big and Little Chicken Islands, and even one called Starve Island! All of these islands belong to Ohio except for one, which belongs to Canada. Which one is it?

• a. Pelee Island
• b. Chick Island
• c. North Harbor Island
• d. South Bass Island

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. The Amazon River's river flow is stronger than that of the Nile, Yangtze, and Mississippi River's combined.

Today's question: The Amazon River drains an area of about 6,915,000 square km. This is approximately what percent of South America?

• a. 10
• b. 20
• c. 30
• d. 40
  

WORD OF THE DAY: aggrandize - to make grander, to enlarge

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051211/ap_on_re_us/black_home_schooling

GeoQuiz Sunday, December 11th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Battle of Lake Erie...
• World Geography: Amazon River's Water Flow...
• Interesting Article: David vs. Billionaire Goliath

FACT: Did you know that Henry Waterman invented the elevator in 1850 to transport barrels of flour?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Redwoods are needle-leaf conifers.

As you may expect, this week we are moving onto a new topic. Not only that, but neither is it a state nor an environmental study, as we have done in the past. This week, we're studying Lake Erie!

Lake Erie is the southernmost of the Great Lakes, its southern tip slightly south of Lake Michigan's south tip. It is the world's thirteenth largest natural lake, and has a 10,000 square mile surface area. It borders Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Michigan, and is fed by the Detroit River, and indirectly, also by the Niagra River and Falls. Also, it provides a rich, fertile soil for Canada in the north. Lake Erie is a very beautiful place.

Today's question: Today's question is interesting. The Battle of Lake Erie fought in 1813, during the war of 1812, was an American victory. Although the six British ships outgunned the nine American ships, the Americans managed to capture all six enemy ships. The battle's outcome for the Americans was what?

• a. Americans were able to win consecutive battles at Lake Ontario and Superior.
• b. Americans established two forts on the peninsulas near Lake Erie.
• c. Americans cut off British supplies and reinforcements.
• d. all of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. The three islands in the Swan Islands are Great Swan, Little Swan, and Booby Cay.

This week's topic studies one of the longest rivers in the world. It is the Amazon River!

While the Amazon River is not the longest river in the world, it is certainly the largest. The Amazon Basin, the river's drainage area, is the largest of any river system. The Amazon can release up to 300,000 m cubed in the rainy season. So while the Amazon River isn't the longest river, it certainly is amazing!

Today's question: The water flow of the Amazon River is amazing. In fact, the Amazon River is the "strongest" in the world. Which of the following rivers does the Amazon River have a stronger water flow than?

• a. Mississippi River
• b. Yangtze River
• c. Nile River
• d. all of the above combined

WORD OF THE DAY: panacea - a remedy for all diseases

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgif=/c/a/2005/12/10/BAG10G5O5B1.DTL

GeoQuiz Saturday, December 10th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The Science of Redwoods...
  
• World Geography: Swan Islands...
  
• Interesting Article:

FACT: Did you know that the exact geographic center of the United States is near Lebanon, Kansas?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. The redwood area in northern California is serving as a home for Indian tribes, a national park, and a testing ground for land and water restoration.

Today's question: All trees fall under categories by their leaves. Redwoods are in which category of leaves?

• a. needle-leaf conifers
• b. scale-leaf conifers
• c. untoothed simple leaves
• d. toothed simple leaves

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Hurricane Mitch devestated Honduras in 1998.

Today's question: The Swan Islands, off the coast of Costa Rica, are made up of a three-island chain. What are the names of these three islands?

• a. North Swan, South Swan, and West Swan
• b. Great Swan, Little Swan, and Booby Cay
• c. Swan de Gordo, Sud Swan, and Swan de Volcan
• d. Pacific Swan, North Swan, and East Swan

WORD OF THE DAY: gimcrack - a trivial mechanism, a device

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051210/ap_on_sc/climate_change_clinton

GeoQuiz Friday, December 9th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Before Redwoods Were "Trees"...
  
• World Geography: Honduran Hazards...
  
• Interesting Article: Disney's Sweeney on Top...
  

FACT: Did you know that Disney has four resorts around the world and is about to open its fifth at Hong Kong?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Living cells in a redwood tree are no older than 3o years.

Today's question: In the 1800's, redwoods were just looked upon as sources of lumber. Today, we are trying to conserve the forests. Not only are we conserving the forests in the northern California area, but the area is also serving as what?

• a. a home for Indian tribes
• b. a national park
• c. a testing ground for land and water restoration
• d. all of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Water pollution is being caused by mining and dumping of heavy metals.

Today's question: Earthquakes are frequent, but generally mild in Honduras. However, hurricanes can be extremely destructive. In 1998, which hurricane severely damaged Honduras, causing 5,600 deaths and approximately $2 billion in damage?

• a. Hurricane Andy
• b. Hurricane Rita
• c. Hurricane Mitch
• d. Hurricane Wilma

WORD OF THE DAY: succor - aid; help; assistance

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051206/ap_en_tv/hollywood_women

GeoQuiz Thursday, December 8th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The Truth Behind Dead Bark...
  
• World Geography: Environmental Problems...
  
• Interesting Article: Bird Flu in Asia...
  

FACT: Did you know that Lake Baikal, located in Asia, is the deepest lake in the world?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Spruce trees would most likely be located in a redwood environment.

Today's question: Dead bark is what allows redwood trees to be announced as some of the world's oldest plants, some at 2,000 years. But behind the dead bark? The living cells are no older than how many years?

• a. 30
• b. 300
• c. 700
• d. 3700
  

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. The eastern border is greater than the western border.

Today's question: Honduras has a variety of environmental problems. With the urban population expanding and deforestation for agriculture, the forests and trees are losing out, as well as animals whose homes were destroyed. Also, pollution in Lago de Yojoa, the country's largest freshwater source, is caused by what?

• a. human litter
• b. mining and dumping of heavy metals
• c. nuclear wastes
• d. chemical dumps
  

WORD OF THE DAY: argot - a language or often secret vocabulary used by a specific group

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051208/sc_nm/birdflu_tourism_dc

GeoQuiz Wednesday December 7th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Wildlife in the redwoods...
• World Geography: Honduras' border countries...
• Interesting Article: Red, catlike animal may be new species...
  

FACT: Did you know that South Carolina's nickname is the "Palmetto State"?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. The redwood forests of America range from central California to southern Oregon.

Today's question: Today we will study wildlife in these redwood forests. Banana slugs, gray whales, Douglas-fir, black bears, and sea anemones all are welcome in redwood environments. Hemlock, Douglas-fir, berry bushes, and sword ferns are also parts of the redwood forest environment. Which of the following would be most likely located in the redwood environment?

• a. spruce trees
• b. birch trees
• c. quails
• d. flying squirrels

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The Virgin of Suyapa is the saint of Honduras.

Today's question: Honduras borders three countries - two on its western side, and one on its eastern side. Honduras' total western border or eastern border?

• a. western border
• b. eastern border

WORD OF THE DAY: edacious - absorbed in eating

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051207/ap_on_sc/indonesia_new_species;_ylt=AkUhiSD9s8mifoBgJGKTEygPLBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--

GeoQuiz Tuesday December 6th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Redwood Trees and Their Locations...
• World Geography: Exploring Culture in Honduras...
• Interesting Article: The United States Remains Unprepared...

FACT: Did you know that the North Star is the only star that never moves?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The answer to yesterday's question is a. Believe it or not, gray whales are inhabitants of redwood environments.

Today's question: Redwoods grow on an expanse in the Pacific Northwest and West. In fact, redwoods in the United States only grow in this area? What is (are) the specific state(s) that the redwoods live in?

• a. northern California to northern Washington
• b. central California to eastern Idaho
• c. northern California to southern Washington
• d. central California to southern Oregon

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The answer to yesterday's question is b. Honduras borders the Caribbean on a longer scale than it does the Pacific.

Today's question: A laborer, Alejandro Colindres, was supposed to have discovered a small statue while sleeping by discovering that it was causing the sharp pain in his back. The statue turned out to be the patron saint of Honduras. What was the statue?

• a. Saint Honduras
• b. Virgin of Unduras
• c. Virgin of Suyapa
• d. Saint Fundago

WORD OF THE DAY: supernal - being in a higher place or region

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051206/ap_on_go_co/sept11_commission

GeoQuiz Sunday, December 5th, 2005

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: A new topic this week...
• World Geography: Hot in Honduras...
• Interesting Article: USC and Texas still on top...

FACT: Did you know that Chevron's CEO is a native from Ireland?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: Now that we have wrapped up New Mexico, we are moving into a new topic. There are some really old trees in the United States, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Can you guess what they are?

Redwood trees are some of the world's tallest trees. They can thrive to be 2000 years old and grow to over 300 feet tall. Spruce, hemlock, Douglas-fir, berry bushes, and sword ferns create an understory that towers into the sky. The redwood forests' habitats include prairie/oak woodlands, mighty rivers and streams, and 37 miles of Pacific coastline. Cultural landscapes reflect American Indian history.

The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The four groups of rays on the New Mexican flag stand for the stages of life: childhood, youth, middle age, and old age.

Today's question: Which of the following animals would most likely appear in the redwood forest habitat?

• a. gray whales
• b. Kaibab squirrels
• c. humpback whales
• d. sloths

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: Honduras is our new topic. Strapped between the Caribbean and Pacific, Honduras is really an interesting place.

Honduras boasts a coastline of 820 kilometers. With mountains and narrow costal plains, Honduras has a tropical and temperate climate. It is slightly smaller than Tennessee. Even without these features, Honduras would still claim 436 nm of maritime claims.

The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. The Czech Republic has 5.25 million in its labor force.

Today's question: Which part of Honduras' coast is longer?

• a. Pacific coast
• b. Caribbean coast

WORD OF THE DAY: plangent - beating with a loud or deep sound

INTERESTING ARITCLE: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-t25-collegefbpoll&prov=ap&type=lgns

GeoQuiz 12/4

PREVIEW: What's Preview? Well, preview gives you a brief look into today's blog's United States Geography, World Geography, and interesting article.

• United States Geography: New Mexico's flag...
• World Geography: The Czech Republic's economy is rich...
• Interesting Article: Leak Ruling Has Mystery...

FACT: Did you know that grasslands receive 25 to 75 centimeters annually?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. The Loretto Chapel's staircase was built to link to the choir room.

Today's question: New Mexico's state flag looks like this:

New Mexicans believe that the four groups of rays stand for:

• the four directions - north, east, south, and west
• the four seasons - spring, summer, fall, and winter
• the day - sunrise, noon, evening, and night

Which of the following is also a meaning of the flag?

• a. the four calendars - lunar, solar, traditional, and religious
• b. the unity of the four "original" tribes - Anasazi, Pueblians, Adobians, and Incatanian
• c. the stages of life - childhood, youth, middle age, and old age
• d. the unity of the four "original" tribes - Aztec, Incan, Mayan, and Houndoran

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The lowest elevation point is at the Elbe River at 115 feet.

Today's question: The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and prosperous states of Central and Eastern Europe. Demands for Czech products increased, and began to grow richer. The labor force played an enormous part in economy. What was the labor force (2004 est.)?

• a. 4.5 million
• b. 5.25 million
• c. 6.25 million
• d. 5.65 million

WORD OF THE DAY: dissimulate - to conceal under cloak or disguise; to hide under false appearance

INTERESTING ARTICLE:http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/03/politics/03leak.html?ex=1291266000&en=4a824f35db9385c8&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

I have received no feedback for the last two days, and ask you to actually give me some.

FACT: Did you know that there were 37 stars on the US Flag when President Andrew Johnson left his office?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. The Anasazi were the ancient people.

Today's question: The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe served the Loretto Academy in the 1870's. The Loretto Chapel is best known for its spiral staircase (that was built after the top and bottom floors were built) with two 360-deg turns. Why was the staircase made?

• a. to link to the choir room
• b. to replace a shaft connecting the floors
• c. to display architectural achievement
• d. to represent "circling up to heaven"
  

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Moravia is more hilly.

Today's question: The Czech Republic's highest point of elevation is on Mt. Snezka, at 1,602 meters. Where is the lowest point, and at what elevation?

• a. Prague at -50 feet
• b. Elbe River at -50 feet
• c. Elbe River at 115 feet
• d. Prague at 130 feet
  

WORD OF THE DAY: comestible - edible

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10270197/site/newsweek/

For your information, I write the daily blog on the day before it is published so that you have a day to read it. Otherwise, here are yesterday's answers.

FACT: Did you know that New Mexico was a territory and the westernmost campaign during the Civil War?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a metropolitan area with roughly forty percent of New Mexico's population.

Today's question: Northeast New Mexico was a place of major geograpical history. A shallow sea used to lie there. In fact, there are the remains of a volcano called Capulin, which has been inactive for 10,000 years. An ancient people settled here in 700 A.D. What is the name of the ancient people?

• a. Puebloians
• b. Anasazi
• c. Adobeians
• d. Yurok

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. The dominant religion of the Czech Republic is Roman Catholic.

Today's question: The western part of the Czech Republic is called Bohemia, while the eastern part is called Moravia. Which area is more hilly?

• a. Bohemia
• b. Moravia

WORD OF THE DAY: immure - to imprison or close within walls

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://www.familyculture.com/holidays/japanese_new_year.htm

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