GeoQuiz Tuesday, January 31st, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The New Topic Is...
• World Geography: The New Topic Is...
• Interesting Article: 10-Year Old Boy Directs Film...

FACT: Did you know that Ice Cube's real name is O'Shea Jackson?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. While Brooklyn is the most populous borough, Manhattan has the most skyscrapers and the most urban areas.

As promised, this week's (or should I say 5-day week's) topic is... the Bay of Fundy! If you're questioning why I am doing it for US Geography, it is because it is also bordered by Maine, technically a part of US Geography.

Today's question: The Bay of Fundy, claimed by folklore, has giant waves caused by the splashing of a whale. Oceanographers, however, have discovered that tidal resonance, where coinciedental timing allows waves to meet the high tide at the same time, is the cause of the high tides. In fact, the Bay of Fundy is known for the highest tides in _?_.

• a. North America
• b. the Americas
• c. the continents except for Antarctica
• d. the world

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Singapore's terrain is mainly of water collection areas, reserves, and lowlands.

This week's topic is... Australia! (actually, its northeastern coast)

Australia's northeastern coast: This week's topic(s) are focused down to two physical features of Australia's northeastern coast that may spread over two weeks and are very likely to. The main topics are Australia's Great Dividing Range, Australia's only substantial mountain range, and Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef. Focusing on these two topics will bring us a better understanding of Australian geography, and more importantly, its culture and people.

Today's question: (Great Dividing Range) The Great Dividing Range runs from northeastern state Queensland into southeastern state Victoria through New South Wales, the state in between. It stretches the entire Australian coastline, only to stop at the Grampians, another mountain range. The highest mountain in Australia, located in the southern area of the ranges, is what?

• a. Mount Kosciusko
• b. Mount Walainsd
• c. Mount Victoria
• d. Sydney's Alp

WORD OF THE DAY: traduce - to represent as blamable

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060130/film_nm/india_bollywood_boy_dc

GeoQuiz Monday, January 30th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New Topic...
• World Geography: New Topic...
• Interesting Article: First Bird Flu Death in Iraq...

FACT: Did you know that spam stands for Shoulder Pork and hAM?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. The Blizzard of 1888 caused the building of the New York City Subway.

I'm sorry I forgot yesterday, and today I'm too tired, but I promise to get the new topic in tomorrow. Same thing with World Geography. Otherwise, let's continue.

Today's question: Which New York City borough is the most populous? Which one has the most skyscrapers and urban areas?

• a. Manhattan, Manhattan
• b. Manhattan, Queens
• c. Brooklyn, Manhattan
• d. Bronx, Queens

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. The lowest point in Singapore, at the Singapore Strait, is 0 m.

Refer to note above for new topic.

Today's question: Singapore's terrain is composed mainly of reserves, water collection areas, and what?

• a. mountains
• b. lowlands
• c. swamps
• d. islands

WORD OF THE DAY: stentorian - extremely loud

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060130/ap_on_he_me/iraq_bird_flu

GeoQuiz Sunday, January 29th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New York City Subway...
• World Geography: Singapore's Straits...
• Interesting Article: Davos Summit Ends With Focus on Asia...

FACT: Did you know that clinophobia is the fear of beds?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States.

Today's question: The New York City Subway is the most extensive system in the US and the largest in the world. Even the "subway" runs above ground forty percent of the time. Most of it's underground, though, and it was built for what reason(s), which also led to the placement of telephone and telegraph lines underground?

• a. Blizzard of 1888
• b. Hurricane of 1903
• c. Earthquake of 1906
• d. all of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Two of the biggest of Singapore's resevoirs are the Upper and Lower Pierce Resevoirs.

Today's question: The lowest point in Singapore is at 0 m above sea level. In what strait is this located?

• a. Singapore Strait
• b. Malacca Strait
• c. North Strait
• d. South Strait

WORD OF THE DAY: maudlin - excessively sentimental

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060129/ap_on_bi_ge/eu_gen_world_forum_1;_ylt=AqIpTvEqY2NC0IvyFao.C2T.ucsA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

GeoQuiz Saturday, January 28th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Populous New York City...
• World Geography: Singapore's Resevoirs...
• Interesting Article: Saddam, Defense Team Walks Out...

FACT: Did you know that the hundred billionth crayon made by Crayola was Periwinkle Blue?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Upper New York Bay provides a natural harbor for New York City and makes it a prominent trading city.

Today's question: New York City is the most populous city in the United States by a huge amount. In fact, its population is more than double that of the second most populous city! Which city is this, with about 3,846,000 people (2004 est.)?

• a. Houston, Texas
• b. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• c. Los Angeles, California
• d. Chicago, Illinois

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Singapore is the capital of Singapore.

Today's question: Bukit Timah is home to some of Singapore's biggest resevoirs. The two resevoirs are divided by a dam that supports the industralization and rapid housing in Singapore. What are the names of these two resevoirs?

• a. Upper and Lower Pierce Resevoirs
• b. Bukit and Timah Resevoirs
• c. Malacca and Singapore Resevoirs
• d. North and South Strait Resevoirs

WORD OF THE DAY: reticient - inclined to keep silent

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060129/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_saddam_trial_12;_ylt=AhXlNdq.ukLiRMeVVvWQj3xX6GMA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

GeoQuiz Friday, January 27th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Trading City: New York City...
• World Geography: Singapore's Capital Is...
• Interesting Article: Ethanol - Energy Crisis Cure?

FACT: Did you know that China's largest city is Shanghai?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Air pollution is a serious problem in New York City.

Today's question: One of the global cities of the world, New York City remains prominent as a passage for migration, a center of culture, and a home to companies. Without all these elements, New York City might not have developed into the sprawling complex it is today. One very important element, its role as a trading city, comese from the excellent natural harbor in which body of water?

• a. Chesapeake Bay
• b. Long Island Sound
• c. Upper New York Bay
• d. Lower New York Bay

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Piracy continues to be a problem along the Malacca Strait.

Today's question: Singapore's capital lies in the close to the Singapore and Main Straits and by a lake. East of Singapore Changi Airport but southwest of Bukit Timah, which contains the country's highest point, what is the name of Singapore's capital?

• a. Singapore
• b. Singapore City
• c. Bedok
• d. Queenstown

WORD OF THE DAY: extol - praise (verb)

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060126/sc_nm/environment_ethanol_dc

GeoQuiz Thursday, January 26th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• Quiz Answers!
• United States Geography: New York City's Environmental Stance...
• World Geography: Singapore's Malacca Strait...
• Interesting Article: Bush Says Bin Laden Should be Taken Seriously...

QUIZ ANSWERS: Here are the answers to yesterday's quiz.

1. c.

2. b.

3. d.

4. d.

5. b.

6. a.

7. a.

8. b.

9. c.

10. b.

FACT: Did you know that your thumb is the same length as your nose?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: This week, we are just going to continue New York City as our US topic and Singapore as our world topic.

The correct answer to January 21st's question is b. Mayor Bloomberg names New York City "The World's Second Home".

Today's question: New York City remains one of the most energy efficient cities in the United States. New York City requires purchase of only the most energy efficient cars and other commodities that run on power. The city's water supply is located in a watershed in the Catskill Mountains. Because the water is so pure, New York City is one of the few cities in the United States whose water doesn't go through water treatment plants. Even though New York City is a national environmental leader, which one of its problems, though not as prominent as in Los Angeles or Beijing, could be a serious issue?

• a. water pollution
• b. haze due to Maine forest fires
• c. air pollution
• d. small floods due to melting of ice glaciers

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to January 21st's question is c. The arable land in Singapore is about 1.5%.

Today's question: Ever since it became an independent nation, Singapore has had disputes with Malaysia and Indonesia over land and maritime boundaries. 2005 was the deadline for a resolvement with Indonesia, while 2009 will be the deadline for resolvement with Malaysia. Also, what continues to be a problem in the Malacca Strait?

• a. water pollution
• b. vandalism of water craft
• c. petty theft
• d. piracy

WORD OF THE DAY: florid - flushed with red or excessively ornate

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060125/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_domestic_spying_11;_ylt=AvbhxlJ7hVrEjqWqoKM2iK3B4FkB;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

Geoquiz Tuesday, January 24, 2006

PREVIEW:

• Pop Quiz!

POP QUIZ: If you haven't noticed yet, today's primary question will be a pop quiz. This is mostly to make up for the days that I was gone, but I will take questions for other questions I have asked before. If you want to get something out of this, don't look back at the answers. There will be 10 multiple-choice questions.

1. The four groups of rays that stretch from New Mexico's flag represent what?

• 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, old age
• d. the "unity" of the four original tribes - Aztec, Incan, Mayan, Honduran

2. Which is the best estimate of the length of the Amazon River?

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

3. Which factor besides its wealth made Dayton, Ohio, a popular trading city?

• a. Couriers were sent to advertise 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.

4. Cerro Aconcagua holds the record for highest mountain in what?

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

5. What does Alberta lead in against all the other provinces of Canada?

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

6. Kwanzaa focuses on African cultural connectedness and Nguzo Saba, which means what?

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

7. 35% of the people of Singapore speak which dominant language to Singapore?

• a. Mandarin
• b. Cantonese
• c. English
• d. Malay

8. If New York City was a country of its own, it would be in what place for the highest GDP in the world?

• a. 24th
• b. 17th
• c. 13th
• d. 6th

9. In 1998, which hurricane severly damaged Honduras, causing 5,600 deaths and approximately $2 billion in damage?

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

10. The lake effect snow of Lake Erie moves south, causing which city to be one of the snowiest places in the US?

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

Pop quiz is over! I'll give you the answers tomorrow.

GeoQuiz Saturday, January 21st, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New York City's Nicknames...
• World Geography: Singapore's Land and How It's Used...
• Interesting Article: Medicaid Over Education Spending...

FACT: Did you know that Harmon Killebrew is the silhouette on the Major League Baseball logo?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The City University of New York plays host to students from 145 different countries.

Today's question: New York City, sometimes called "The City That Never Sleeps," is awake 24 hours a day. Residents of the metropolitan area generally refer to New York City (or sometimes just Manhattan) as simply "The City," or "NYC" instead of "NY" to avoid confusing it with New York. Other nicknames given to New York City include "the Big Apple," "Gotham," "the Naked City," "the Capital of the World," and introduced in 2005 by Mayor Bloomberg in an effort to win a bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, "the World's _?_ Home."

• a. Western Olympic
• b. Second
• c. Welcome
• d. Fan

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The two monsoon seasons in Singapore are referred to as the Northeastern monsoon and the Southwestern mosoon.

Today's question: Recall yesterday's question. The mosoon seasons bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to Singapore. However, with such plentiful water and resources, Singapore has only a small amount of arable land. While Singapore has about 98% of its land used for manufacturing, building, living, etc., what percent of its land is arable and used for crops?

• a. 0.5%
• b. 1%
• c. 1.5%
• d. 2%

WORD OF THE DAY: agon - struggle; conflict

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060120/ap_on_he_me/medicaid_states

GeoQuiz Friday, January 20th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New York City Universities...
• World Geography: Singapore's Monsoon Seasons...
• Interesting Article: Google Rebuffs Feds...

FACT: Did you know that, in 1976, Rodrigo's 'Guitar Concierto de Aranjuez' was No. 1 in the UK for only three hours because of a computer error?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The sea/ocean keeps New York City's winters moderate.

Today's question: Columbia University, a prominent university, is in the northern area of the borough Manhattan. The City University of New York, with over 400,000 students and being the largest urban , has been called "the poor man's Harvard" because of its low tution and highest record of the graduating number of Nobel Laureates of any public university in the world. Much of its student body is made of immigrants to New York City from how many countries?

• a. 29
• b. 56
• c. 145
• d. 309

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. About 50% of Singapore's people use the internet.

Today's question: Singapore is a tropical, hot, and humid area. Located in southeastern Asia along with Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Asian island, you couldn't expect anything else. The islands are closely related in climate and so close, that, an environmental problem for Singapore is the seasonal smoke/haze resulting from Indonesian forest fires. The two monsoon seasons for Singapore are called what?

• a. Northwestern and Southeastern
• b. Malay and Indonesian
• c. Northeastern and Southwestern
• d. Indonesian and Australian

WORD OF THE DAY: ludic - playful

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060120/ap_on_hi_te/google_records

GeoQuiz Thursday, December 19th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New York City Climate...
• World Geography: Singapore's Communications...
• Interesting Article: Hackers Attack UK Student's Site...

FACT: Did you know that the parachute was invented by Leonardo da Vinci in 1515?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. 35.31% of New York City is covered in water.

Today's question: New York City has a humid continental climate. Although its winters are cold and summers are hot, it manages to maintain a moderate climate. It's winters are milder than cities of the same latitude in other places, but it's summers usually exceed 90 degrees. What close physical feature keeps New York City's winter temperatures moderate?

• a. mountains
• b. orographic precipiation
• c. sea/ocean
• d. all of the above

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. About 4,425,720 people live in Singapore.

Today's question: Singapore has excellent general, domestic, and international communications services. For such a small country, the phones are high in number and apparent in almost every household. Owned cell phones are almost double that of owned main lines in use. Phone lines, email, and correspondence are rapidly developing as strong ways of communication. About what percent of the population uses the internet?

• a. 50%
• b. 60%
• c. 75%
• d. 90%

WORD OF THE DAY: ratiocination - the process of reasoning

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060118/ap_on_hi_te/britain_internet_ransom

GeoQuiz Wednesday, January 18th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New York City on Water...
• World Geography: Singapore's People...
• Interesting Article: Baby Sofa Deaths...

FACT: Did you know that forty percent of American adults cannot fill out a bank deposit slip correctly?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. The BosWash megalopolis consists of major metropolitan areas gathered in the northeast.

Today's question: Most of New York City's elevation is safely above sea level, although some parts of it could be threatened if global warming patterns continue. Bordering many bodies of water and sitting on three main islands, New York City is 785.6 square kms land and 428.8 square kms water. What percent of New York City is water?

• a. 35.31%
• b. 34.32%
• c. 41.39%
• d. 26.85%

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Singapore is a focal point for trade and sea routes in southeastern Asia.

Today's question: While the median age of males is 36.4 years and females is 37.07 years, Singapore has a large population for such a small country. Mostly Chinese people with Buddhist religion, Singapore's people have developed a highly successful market with stable prices and a corruption-free environment. About how many people live in Singapore?

• a. 3,989,710
• b. 4,028,650
• b. 4,425,720
• c. 5,927,300

WORD OF THE DAY: perforce - by necessity

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060118/sc_nm/sids_dc

GeoQuiz Tuesday, January 17th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The BogWash Megalopolis...
• World Geography: Singapore: A Focal Point...
• Interesting Article: Former President Ford Hospitalized...

FACT: Did you know that golf was banned in England in 1457 because it was considered a distraction from the professional pursuit of archery?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Due to plans in the New York Campaign, the British held New York City until the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783.

Today's question: The BosWash megalopolis extends from Boston, Massachusetts, to Washington, D.C. New York City is considered a city in the BosWash megalopolis, and indeed sits right in the middle of it. 218 mi from Boston and 232 mi from Washington, D.C., New York City is a prominent member of the BosWash megalopolis. The BosWash megalopolis is a group of cities that are there for what reason?

• a. in New England and metropolitan areas
• b. in the northeast between Boston and Washington, D.C. and metropolitan areas
• c. bordering the Atlantic and metropolitan areas
• d. all of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. 35% of Singapore's people speak Mandarin, its dominant language.

Today's question: Singapore has no land boundaries, yet 193 km of coastline. It is centered between Malaysia and Indonesia. It's bustling with industries, manufacturing, and mass-production. Singapore's location and trade makes it a focal point for trade and sea routes in which region?

• a. Oceania
• b. eastern Africa
• c. Pacific
• d. southeastern Asia

WORD OF THE DAY: parsimony - sparing in spending with money

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060117/ap_on_go_pr_wh/ford_hospitalized

GeoQuiz Monday, January 16th, 2006 (Martin Luther King's Day!)

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New York City: A Battleground...
• World Geography: Singapore's Languages...
• Interesting Article: N.J. Casinos With New Smoking Ban...

FACT: Did you know that mageiricophobia is the intense fear of having to cook?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. New York City would have the 17th highest GDP in the world if it was a country on its own.

Today's question: New York City was the site of major fighting. Established as New Amsterdam by the Dutch in 1613, it was then conquered by the British and renamed as New York, only to be conquered again by the Dutch in August 1673. The Dutch ceded it to the British in 1674. Next, New York City was a site of battles and under whose occupation until 1783?

• a. 13 Colonies
• b. Dutch
• c. British
• d. French

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question b. Singapore is only a little more than 3.5 times Washington, D.C.

Today's question: Singapore is between many different cultures and countries, squished between Malaysia and Indonesia, and a center of southeast Asia. Of all of these, 35% of the people of Singapore speak which language, dominant in Singapore?

• a. Mandarin
• b. Cantonese
• c. English
• d. Malay

WORD OF THE DAY: mordant - criticizing; sarcastic

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060115/ap_on_re_us/smoking_ban

GeoQuiz Sunday, January 15th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: New York City...
• World Geography: Singapore...
• Interesting Article: Ginger and Cancer...

FACT: Did you know that phone numbers were kept seven digits long because the short-term memory capacity for most people is between five to nine items or digits?

UNITED STATES GEORAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.

This week's topic is... New York City!

New York City: Distinguished as one of the safest cities in America, New York City is the most populated city in the United States and the most densely populated in North America. It contains five boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Hosting the most Fortune 500 Companies than any other city in the US, New York City is truly spectacular.

Today's question: New York City has a GDP of about $586 billion. If New York City was a country on its own, its GDP would almost equal that of Russia's. If that was the case, New York City would be in what place for the highest GDP in the world?

• a. 24th
• b. 17th
• c. 13th
• d. 6th

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The Petronas Tower represents the Information Age in Rise of Nations.

This week's topic is... Singapore!

Singapore: Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated in 1965 and became independent. It became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Today's question: Singapore is a relatively small country. Comparing its size to that of Washington, D.C., how many times bigger is Singapore than Washington, D.C.?

• a. 2
• b. 3.5
• c. 14.8
• d. 37.1

WORD OF THE DAY: appellation - a name; title; designation of an office/position

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20060113/hl_hsn/gingercouldaddspicetocancercare

GeoQuiz Saturday, January 14th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Assassination...
• World Geography: Rise of Nations...
• Interesting Article: New Orleans' Kitchens Back on Track...

FACT: Did you know that, before 1859, baseball umpires were seated in padded chairs behind home plate?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. The states of Nevada and West Virginia were added to the Union during Abraham Lincoln's presidency.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The 105-member orchestra consists of members from 22 different countries.

Today's question: In Microsoft's Rise of Nations, the Petronas Towers represent advancing to a new age or era. This is actually the most advanced age in the game. What is this age called?

• a. Imperial Age
• b. Nuclear Age
• c. Information Age
• d. Landmark Age

WORD OF THE DAY: unctuous - excessively suave

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060110/ts_nm/hurricanes_cooking_dc

GeoQuiz Friday, January 13th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Union's States...
• World Geography: Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra...
• Interesting Article: Charges Against Best-Selling Writers...

FACT: Did you know that, when the Hoovers did not want to be overheard by White House guests, they spoke to each other in Chinese?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Joseph Johnston defied Robert E. Lee's orders and surrendered to the North.

Today's question: Abraham Lincoln was in charge of the Union, and even took place in the war strategy. In fact, he also had major impact on territories that had not yet been organized. When states and territories constantly changed and seceded, which of the following were the only two states to join the Union during Lincoln's presidency?

• a. California and Nevada
• b. West Virginia and Montana
• c. California and Montana
• c. Nevada and West Virginia

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Kinokuniya, a Japanese bookstore, has a large brance in Suria KLCC and even features a Starbucks cafe.

Today's question: The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra performs in the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas at the base of the Petronas Towers. It consists of 105 members from how many different countries?

• a. 5
• b. 10
• c. 22
• d. 48

WORD OF THE DAY: sinecure - a job or office that requires little effort

INTERESTING ARITCLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060110/ts_alt_afp/afpentertainmentus_060110183129

GeoQuiz Thursday, January 12th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The South's Generals...
• World Geography: Suria KLCC...
• Interesting Article: Alito Pleases Senators, Not Democrats...

FACT: Did you know that Burger King® uses approximately 1/2 million pounds of bacon every month in all of its restaurants?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Andrew Johnson was the first President to continued the Reconstruction after Abraham Lincoln.

Today's question: While General Robert E. Lee surrendered at the close of the Civil War, which of the following of his generals defied his orders to surrender to the north?

• a. Andrew Johnson
• b. Jefferson Davis
• c. Joseph Johnston
• d. all of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Cesar Pelli was the architect that designed the Petronas Towers.

Today's question: The shopping mall at the base of the Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC, is very popular in Malaysia. Branches from Isetan (a Japanese department store), Tiffany and Co. (America's favorite jeweler), and which bookstore can be found in this shopping mall?

• a. European Union Books
• b. Kinokuniya
• c. Taipei Niyako
• d. Nuko Books

WORD OF THE DAY: wunderkind - a child prodigy; one who achieves acclaim during youth

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060111/ap_on_go_su_co/alito_70;_ylt=AqqW26eM8w6AUg4JtLAl0vtuCM0A;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

GeoQuiz Wednesday, January 11th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The Reconstruction and its Presidents...
• World Geography: Petronas' Architects...
• Interesting Article: S. Korean Scientists Fake Stem-Cell Research...

FACT: Did you know that James Buchanon is said to have had the neatest handwriting of all the Presidents?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation supported his personal view - opposition of slavery.

Today's question: Abraham Lincoln had two vice presidents during his presidency. While one had a far longer term then the other, the one with the shorter term continued the Reconstruction, a period after the Civil War that allowed the South to regain some of its powers, after Lincoln. Whom of the vice presidents was this?

• a. Hannibal Hamlin
• b. Andrew Jackson
• c. Andrew Johnson
• d. none of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The Sears Tower has higher occupied floors, a higher roof, and higher pinnacle.

Today's question: Reflections of Islamic art, the Petronas Towers depict some of Malaysia's Muslim heritage. Which architect designed them this way?

• a. Cardo Samsung
• b. Cesar Pelli
• c. Donald Suria
• d. all of the above

WORD OF THE DAY: supernal - being on high; celestial

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060110/ts_nm/science_korea_panel_dc

GeoQuiz Tuesday, December 10th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Lincoln's Views of Slavery...
• World Geography: Higher than the Petronas...
• Interesting Article: Muslims Ready for Hajj...

FACT: Did you know that a ball of glass will bounce higher than a ball of rubber?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Abraham Lincoln avoided hunting and fishing in fear of killing animals.

Today's question: Lincoln personally opposed slavery as a moral in the Civil War. However, in his role as president, his views of the Civil War were the slavery could only be stopped where it hadn't reached (the territories), while places already with slavery could not be banned to slavery. His Emancipation Proclamation supported which of these views?

• a. his personal view - opposition of slavery
• b. his federal view - opposition of slavery in territories

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Petronas is Malaysia's national oil company.

Today's question: There has been much dispute over whether the Petronas Towers were the highest towers in the world before the Taipei 101. In fact, there is another tower that has higher occupied floors, a higher roof, and higher pinnacle. What is this tower (besides the Taipei 101)?

• a. Empire State Building
• b. Lao Ming Tower
• c. Sears Tower
• d. Taipei 001

WORD OF THE DAY: gauche - lacking social refinement

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060108/ap_on_re_mi_ea/saudi_hajj

GeoQuiz Monday, January 9th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Lincoln's Childhood...
• World Geography: The Petronas Company...
• Interesting Article: DeLay Under Pressure...

FACT: Did you know that, in 1977, a child found a tooth growing out of his left foot?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Abraham Lincoln declined the job of governor of the Oregon Territory because of the fast-growing development of his home state, Illinois.

Today's question: With itinerant teachers, Lincoln was pretty self-educated. He loved to read so much, that even though he was tall and strong, he didn't like overworking manual labor. Also, he didn't like to do what in fear of killing animals?

• a. target practice with a gun
• b. setting out traps hidden in the ground
• c. hunting and fishing
• d. cutting-slashing for farming ground

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. In 2003, the Taipei 101 took the crown as highest building in the world.

Today's question: The Petronas company was the original company that set out to build the Petronas Towers, intended to be the world's tallest buildings. In Tower One, while Petronas and its subsidiaries work, Tower Two mainly has offices for lease to other companies. The Petronas Company is what kind of company?

• a. worldwide mining company
• b. Malaysia's national oil company
• c. United State's national fishing company
• d. Malaysia's national mining company

WORD OF THE DAY: hubris - overbearing pride

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060108/ap_on_go_co/delay

GeoQuiz Sunday, January 8th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Abraham Lincoln...
• World Geography: Petronas Towers...
• Interesting Article: Soda - Cancer or Cure?...

FACT: Did you know that hot water is heavier than cold water?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Some Native Americans in Minnesota still run casinos.

This week's topic is... Abraham Lincoln!

Abraham Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was the first president from the Republican Party. Abraham Lincoln was president from March 4, 1861, to April 15, 1865, when he was assassinated. During his term, he was a wartime leader for the Union during the Civil War and an abolitionist against slavery. His face is now carved at Mt. Rushmore because he has been a respectful president.

Today's question: Before his presidency, he was offered governorship of the Oregon Territory, but declined because of the fast-growing development of his home, and which state?

• a. Indiana
• b. Illinois
• c. Minnesota
• d. Tennessee

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. While 80% of Greece is covered by mountains, 50% is covered by forests.

This week's topic is... Petronas Towers!

Petronas Towers: Once the tallest towers in the world, the Petronas Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, they stand on the same spot their were built on in 1998. After being built on the site of a race track, the Petronas Towers are used as offices. They remain a reflection of Maylasia's Muslim heritage.

Today's question: The Petronas Towers were the highest towers in the world until 2003, when which tower in Taiwan was built?

• a. Taipei 101
• b. Lao Mang Tower
• c. Dang Tao Tower
• d. Taipei Tower

WORD OF THE DAY: verbose - wordy

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20060105/sc_space/sodacancerlinkrevealedasmyth

GeoQuiz Saturday, January 7th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Native Americans in Minnesota...
• World Geography: Greek Land...
• Interesting Article: "South Park" Complaints

FACT: Did you know that punctuation wasn't invented until the 1500's?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. The Mississippi River first heads north after exiting Lake Itasca.

Today's question: Originally, the Metis people lived in Minnesota, but largely moved up to Canada during and after European settlement. While the few Native Americans keep a moderate presence in Minnesota, they operate what?

• a. hospitals
• b. machines
• c. casinos
• d. factories

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. The Alpine climate is in the west, the Mediterranean in the central, and the Temperate in the east.

Today's question: Greece is home to many forms of forest and marine life. Also, it is a very mountainous country. What are the percents of Greek land that are covered by mountains and forests (in that order)?

• a. 50, 80
• b. 70, 60
• c. 80, 50
• d. 60, 70

WORD OF THE DAY: tendentious - described by having strong favor of a particular point of view

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/20060103/en_tv_eo/18055

GeoQuiz Friday, January 6th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: The Mississippi's Source...
• World Geography: Greek Climate...
• Interesting Article: Tropical Storm Zeta in the Atlantic...

FACT: Did you know that, in the 1700's, you can buy insurance from hell in London, England?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The Mall of America attracts 40 million visitors annually, 8 times its population.

Today's question: Minnesota is home to many parks, including The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the Itasca State Park. In fact, Lake Itasca is the source of the Mississippi River. In which direction does the Mississippi River flow from Lake Itasca right after it leaves the lake?

• a. north
• b. south
• c. east
• d. west

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. The Greek Orthodox was a preserve of Greek culture and language and a strong rallying point for independence during the Ottoman domination.

Today's question: Greece hosts three well defined climates: Mediterranean, Temperate, and Alpine. Mediterranean acts as a type of transition between Temperate and Alpine. In what places are Alpine, Mediterranean, and Temperate found in Greece (in that order)?

• a. west, central, east
• b. east, central, west
• c. north, central, south
• d. south, central, north

WORD OF THE DAY: miasma - infectious particles or germs floating around in the air

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060103/sc_nm/weather_zeta_dc

GeoQuiz Thursday, January 5th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Mall of America...
• World Geography: Greek Religion...
• Interesting Article: 13 Miners Trapped in W. VA. Explosion...

FACT: Did you know that nobody yet has explained satisfactorily why couples who marry in January, February, and March tend to have the highest divorce rates?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. 8.4% of Minnesota is covered by water.

Today's question: The 40 million visitors the Mall of America attracts is how many times the Minnesota population?

• a. 2
• b. 5
• c. 8
• d. 11

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. Greece is a world leader in shipping.

Today's question: Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the dominant and official religion of all of Greece. In fact, it was the __ Church that preserved Greek culture and language during the Ottoman domination and was a strong rallying point for independence.

• a. Greek Orthodox
• b. East Orthodox
• c. Roman Catholic
• d. European Orthodox

WORD OF THE DAY: inkhorn - affectedly learned; pedantic

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060102/ap_on_re_us/mine_explosion

GeoQuiz Wednesday, January 4th, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Marine Minnesota...
• World Geography: Greek Economy...
• Interesting Article: Mexicans Leave Their Jungles...

FACT: Did you know that President Woodrow Wilson wrote all of his speeches longhand?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is a. Minnesota consists of a grassland biome in the Great Plains, a decidious forest biome in the eastern US, and a boreal forest biome in the Canada border area.

Today's question: Minnesota is known as The Land of 10,000 Lakes, and there is no wonder why. In fact a larger percentage of Minnesota is covered by water. What is this percent?

• a. 20.5%
• b. 12.3%
• c. 9.7%
• d. 8.4%

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Mount Olympus is the highest point in Greece.

Today's question: Greek economy is largely based on tourism, a large portion of Greek GDP. However, Greece is a world leader in what?

• a. automobiles
• b. machinery
• c. shipping
• d. air transportation

WORD OF THE DAY: nonplus - to cause to be at loss; to perplex

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060101/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/mexico_zapatistas

GeoQuiz Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Minnesota's Biomes...
• World Geography: Greek Mountains...
• Interesting Article: Bush Defends Spying...

FACT: Did you know that no one knows where Mozart is buried?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is e. The Second Treaty of Paris, Louisiana Purchase, Anglo-American Convention, and Webster-Ashburton Treaty all helped shape and define Minnesota's boundaries today.

Today's question: Minnesota has a mainly flat surface due to erosion of ice glaciers, and also many lakes. Also, it contains three classified biomes. Which biomes are they, and in what areas?

• a. grasslands (Great Plains), decidious forests (eastern US), and boreal forests (Canada)
• b. grasslands (Great Plains), decidious forests (Canada), and boreal forests (eastern US)
• c. subtropical lands (Midwest), decidious forests (eastern US), and tundra (eastern Canada)
• d. desert (Tornado Alley), decidious forests (Canada), and arctic (eastern Canada)

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is c. The Minoans and Myceneans were the two civilizations the roamed on Greek land before the Greeks.

Today's question: The geography of Greece is very interesting. Consisting of over 3,000 islands, Greece is also contains the Peloponnesus peninsula and the Pindus mountains, an extension of the Dinaric Alps. The highest point in Greece, even not in the Pindus, is on what mountain?

• a. Mount Peloponnesus
• b. Mount Olympus
• c. Mount Athens
• d. Mount Zeus

WORD OF THE DAY: facile - easy to be completed or performed

INTERESTING ARITCLE: http://news.yahoo.com/fc/World/Espionage_and_Intelligence

GeoQuiz Monday, January 2nd, 2006

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Minnesota's History...
• World Geography: Greek Ancient Civilizations...
• Interesting Article: New Touchdown Record...

FACT: Did you know that the adult human heart weighs about ten ounces?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's quesiton is a. The Mississippi River separates the Twin Cities and is almost a line of symmetry for them.

Today's question: Minnesota is a very large state and has a history of Indians, European settlements, and American military. In its history, Minnesota had its land thrown around to different countries, interchangably with territories. Which of the following included Minnesota and helped shape Minnesota's boundaries to what it is today?

• a. Second Treaty of Paris
• b. Louisiana Purchase
• c. Anglo-American Convention
• d. Webster-Ashburton Treaty
• e. all of the above

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is b. Greece's official name is the Hellenic Republic.

Today's question: In ancient times, while Roman military dominated Greek land, Greek culture dominated Roman life. As a province of the Roman Empire, Greece controlled the culture of the eastern Mediterranean. Before this, even before the Dark Ages, two civilizations had emerged and established a strong culture in the Greek area. What are these two civilizations?

• a. Aztec, Inca
• b. Jutlandic, Norwegian
• c. Minoan, Mycenean
• d. Roman, Mughul

WORD OF THE DAY: circumambient - surrounding; engulfing; encompassing

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-seahawks-alexander&prov=ap&type=lgns

GeoQuiz Sunday, January 1st, 2006 (New Year's Day!)

PREVIEW:

• United States Geography: Minnesota...
• World Geography: Greece...
• Interesting Article: 2006 - A New Year for New Orleans...

FACT: Did you know that Richard Milhouse Nixon was the first US President whose name contains all the letters from the word "criminal", and William Jefferson Clinton was the "second"?

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Presidents' Day is now known to also celebrate Lincoln's birthday, although it originally wasn't.

This week's topic is... Minnesota!

Minnesota: Minnesota is the "Gopher State", and can be found east of North and South Dakota, north of Iowa, and west of Wisconsin. The biggest state in the Midwest, Minnesota has its most significant metropolitan area in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minnesota has many lakes, bordering Lake Superior and Lake of the Woods, and is ranked 21st in area as a state.

Today's question: The Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, one being the largest and the other being the capital city of Minnesota, are relatively close to each other. What major river separates the Twin Cities and causes them to be almost symmetrical across it?

• a. Mississippi River
• b. Missouri River
• c. Wisconsin River
• d. River of the Woods

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: The correct answer to yesterday's question is d. Cerro Aconcagua was formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate.

This week's topic is... Greece!

Greece: Home of the Olympic Games, Athens, and more than 3,000 islands, Greece is a remarkable place built on an ancient civilization. From Greek philosophers like Aristotle to Greek writes like Homer, the people of Greece did well to build up their ancient civilization. Coming into a political view, Greece was the birthplace of western civilization and democracy. As we come to study its past, it reveals more and more about the motiviations of the present.

Today's question: While Greece is commonly called Greece by many people, it's official name is totally different. What is it?

• a. Hellas Republic
• b. Hellenic Republic
• c. Democracy of Greece and Balkan Plantations
• d. Aegean-Ionian Republic

WORD OF THE DAY: repast - taken as food; a meal

INTERESTING ARTICLE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051231/ap_on_re_us/new_orleans_new_year_s