Show:
Dangers & Disasters
Pop Culture
Sports Stars & Stats
This & That
What in the World?
100
A famous American reached a milestone in aviation history in 2002 when he flew around the world non-stop, all by himself, in a balloon. It took him about 2 weeks. What was his name?
Who is Steve Fossett (p.328)
100
Do you spend a lot of time in front of the TV, or not so much? Based on the latest statistics, how much time per week, on average, do Americans between the ages of 12 and 17 spend watching television? Give the answer in hours and minutes.
What is 23 hours, 57 minutes (p. 256)
100
His nickname was "Big Red", but what's the official name of the racehorse that in 1973 set the record for running the fastest Kentucky Derby ever?
What is Secretariat (p. 966)
100
If you would enjoy rust red sand and pink skies you might try to get on a spaceship to Mars some day. The question is what to pack? Would it be more worthwhile to bring a bathing suit or a warm jacket? Well, the real question is: what is the average surface temperature on Mars, in degrees Fahrenheit?
81 degrees below zero (p. 340)
100
The biggest lake in the world has a surface area of more than 140,000 square miles. Unlike most lakes, it contains salt water. In fact, it's not even called a lake. What's the name of this huge body of water?
What is the Caspian Sea (p. 694)
200
More than 15,800 people were killed when a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Japan and set off a giant sea wave, or tsunami. Entire towns were wiped out, and three reactors at a nuclear power plant had partial meltdowns. On what month and day in 2011 did the earthquake hit?
What is March 11 (pp. 316, 317)
200
The reality TV show American Idol finished its tenth season in 2011. The champion was 17-year-old country singer Scotty McCreery, who admires Elvis Presley and Josh Turner. What singer won the first season of American Idol back in 2002?
Who is Kelly Clarkson (p. 255)
200
In the 2011 baseball season, shortstop Derek Jeter became the first New York Yankee (ahead of Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and Babe Ruth) and 28th player in history to accumulate at least 3,000 career hits. But what player finished his career with 4,256 hits, more than anyone else in baseball history?
Who was Pete Rose (p. 918)
200
Do you have a common first name? Lots of people do! What was the third-most-popular given name for a baby boy born in the United States in 2010?
What is Michael (p. 714)
200
One of the biggest holidays in Mexico is the day people there celebrate Mexico's independence from Spain. They enjoy parades, patriotic programs, and marching bands--and a day off from school and work. What is the date of Mexican Independence Day?
What is September 16 (p.350)
300
Kingda Ka is the fastest roller coaster in the United States, at 128 miles an hour. It also has the biggest drop. You can find it by listening for the screams at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. So, how many feet can you expect to plunge at the coaster's record drop?
What is 418 feet (p. 92)
300
Television audiences sure love the Super Bowl! But other TV programs have had their big nights. Not counting Super Bowl broadcasts and special events such as presidential addresses, what single broadcast, as of 2011, was the most watched and highest rated program in TV history?
What is the final episode of M*A*S*H (in February 1983) (p. 257, 258)
300
In a dramatic championship game, Japan defeated the United States, 3-1 on penalty kicks, to win the Women's World Cup in soccer in 2011. What Japanese player, who scored a crucial game-tying goal in extra time, won the Golden Ball award for best player of the tournament?
Who is Homare Sawa (p.950)
300
Every month is considered special for some reason, whether serious or trivial, as you can tell from the list of special months in the Calendar chapter of The World Almanac. Are you ready for National Popcorn Poppin' Month? Which month is it?
What is October (p.351)
300
Almost one out of every 5 people in the world lives in China, the world's most populous nation. What are the next 3 largest countries in population?
What are India, United States, Indonesia (p. 734)
400
3 American astronauts had a close call on an Apollo space mission in April 1970, when an oxygen tank exploded in their service module. Luckily they still made it back to Earth safely. In hours and minutes, how much time did they spend in space?
What is 142 hours, 54 minutes (p.321)
400
Avatar, released in 2009, went on to become the all-time-top-grossing American movie, taking in more money at the box office than any other. The second-highest-grossing film of all time was released more than a decade ago. What is the name of this 1997 movie?
What is Titanic (p.244)
400
In a career that lasted an amazing 20 years, this star of the San Francisco 49ers set the record for most touchdowns (208) scored by a National Football League player. What is this player's name?
Who is Jerry Rice (p. 904)
400
Do you know a 12-letter word that means "having wavy hair"? Not many people do. But if you wanted to win the National Spelling Bee in 2011, you would have to know how to spell it. What is the spelling of that winning word?
What is cymotrichous (p. 710)
400
Do hobbits exist? Well, maybe they did early in world history, or prehistory. Since 2004, scientists have found remains of 12 to 15 human-like creatures about 3.5 feet tall, in a cave on the Indonesian island of Flores. How long ago did these "hobbits" live?
What is 95,000 to 18,000 years ago (p.646)
500
Which caused the most accidental deaths in the U.S. in 2009: fire, poisoning, gunfire, drowning, motor vehicle accidents, or falls?
What is poisoning? (p. 172)
500
Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, and Emma Watson all became famous as stars of the Harry Potter movies. Two of these three actors were born in England. Which one was not?
Who is Emma Watson (who was born in Paris, France) (pp. 227, 232, 235)
500
The 4 major tournaments held each year in men's professional golf are the British Open, the PGA Championship, the Masters, and the U.S. Open. Which of these tournaments did Tiger Woods win in 2011?
What is none (pp.952,953)
500
If you like wide open spaces, try living in Alaska or Wyoming. They're the two least densely populated US states. But for people who want a lot of company, what 2 US states have the greatest population density?
What is New Jersey and Rhode Island (p. 610)
500
There's nothing like a little time off! Speaking of vacations, did you know that many countries have laws requiring that workers get a certain number of paid vacation days in addition to fixed holidays each year? What 3 countries require the most paid vacation days for workers?
What is Brazil, Finland, and France (p. 92)