[Answer] 2. The oldest author in this quiz was born in 1802. This author was born 163 years later, in England, in 1965. Some of the characters in her books are named Harry, Hermione, Luna, Severus, Sirius and Albus. Who is this 'magical' author?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "2. The oldest author in this quiz was born in 1802. This author was born 163 years later, in England, in 1965. Some of the characters in her books are named Harry, Hermione, Luna, Severus, Sirius and Albus. Who is this 'magical' author?"

...1. Danielle Steel 2. J.K. Rowling 3. Annie Proulx 4. Jodi Picoult Growing up in England, J.K. Rowling didn't have much of a writing background, just some little stories written when she was a child. Then, in 1990, while taking a train from Manchester to London, the idea of a boy (whose name would be Harry Potter) attending a wizardry school popped into her head. She started writing about him when she got home. That turned into 4,100 pages in seven books over sixteen years. The final installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" became the fastest-selling book in history, selling 11 million copies on its first day of release. Then there were the movies and the merchandising. No doubt, the goblins would love to have her deposit her gazillions of Galleons in the Gringotts Bank.

[Answer] 5. After gaining independence in 1991, what major event occurred in Tajikistan for the following five years--from 1992 until 1997?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "5. After gaining independence in 1991, what major event occurred in Tajikistan for the following five years--from 1992 until 1997?"

...1. War with Japan 2. Civil War 3. Severe food shortage 4. Year-round flooding The civil war in Tajikistan began in 1992 with protesters who were against the presidential elections and who felt they were not fairly represented in the country. On June 26, 1997, the two sides came to an agreement and a peace accord was signed, ending the fighting. Over 50,000 were estimated to have been killed during the war.

[Answer] Which temple holds a fire that has burned for over 1,500 years?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Which temple holds a fire that has burned for over 1,500 years?"

...1. Yazd Atash Behram 2. Kamakhya Temple 3. Yamunotri Temple 4. Ananthapura Temple

[Answer] Where is the largest New Year's Eve celebration held?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Where is the largest New Year's Eve celebration held?"

...According to The Travel Channel, this Brazilian coastal city is the host of the world's largest New Year's celebration. More than 2.4 million people gathered on Copacabana’s beach last year, filling a 2 1/2-mile stretch of sand. At midnight, Brazilians ceremonially throw flowers into the ocean, paying homage to Iemanja, the goddess of the sea. Tradition says to wear white for good luck, but be prepared to get sweaty and doused with sprays of champagne. Whatever you do, don't wear black to the party. Brazilian lore considers it bad luck.

[Ans] Where is the largest New Year's Eve celebration held?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Where is the largest New Year's Eve celebration held?"

According to The Travel Channel, this Brazilian coastal city is the host of the world's largest New Year's celebration. More than 2.4 million people gathered on Copacabana’s beach last year, filling a 2 1/2-mile stretch of sand. At midnight, Brazilians ceremonially throw flowers into the ocean, paying homage to Iemanja, the goddess of the sea. Tradition says to wear white for good luck, but be prepared to get sweaty and doused with sprays of champagne. Whatever you do, don't wear black to the party. Brazilian lore considers it bad luck.

[Ans] What is the translation of the New Year's song "Auld Lang Syne?"

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "What is the translation of the New Year's song "Auld Lang Syne?""

"Auld Lang Syne" is that song everyone mumbles after the stroke of midnight to ring in the new year. It is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. The song has long been associated with New Year's celebrations and is one of the most recognizable songs around the world. "Auld Lang Syne" roughly translates to “days gone by” and the song is all about preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year. Guy Lombardo, sang the hymn at midnight Jan. 1, 1929 in the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, and is credited spawning a global tradition.

[Answer] What is the translation of the New Year's song "Auld Lang Syne?"

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "What is the translation of the New Year's song "Auld Lang Syne?""

..."Auld Lang Syne" is that song everyone mumbles after the stroke of midnight to ring in the new year. It is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. The song has long been associated with New Year's celebrations and is one of the most recognizable songs around the world. "Auld Lang Syne" roughly translates to “days gone by” and the song is all about preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year. Guy Lombardo, sang the hymn at midnight Jan. 1, 1929 in the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, and is credited spawning a global tradition.

[Answer] Where were the earliest recorded New Year's festivities held?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Where were the earliest recorded New Year's festivities held?"

...The earliest recorded celebrations of a new year took place in ancient Babylon. It began about 4,000 years ago when the Babylonians celebrated the first new moon after the vernal equinox. This day in late March has an equal amount of darkness and sunlight, and heralded in the start of a new year in Babylon. Their celebrations were religious festivals called Akitu and involved different rituals on each of the celebration’s 11 days. Source: History.com

[Answer] 3. In Scottish legend, which town is said to appear every 100 years for only one day?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "3. In Scottish legend, which town is said to appear every 100 years for only one day?"

...1. Bridge of Allan 2. Brigadoon 3. Strathyre 4. Killiecrankie This legend is so famous that a Hollywood film was made about it in 1954, titled "Brigadoon". I've never met or heard of anyone who has ever seen this town, but I keep an open mind.

[Answer] 5. "A Tale of Two Cities", published in 1859, tells the story of the plight of the French peasantry under the French aristocracy in the years before the revolution. Which famous English author wrote this story?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "5. "A Tale of Two Cities", published in 1859, tells the story of the plight of the French peasantry under the French aristocracy in the years before the revolution. Which famous English author wrote this story?"

...1. Lewis Carroll 2. Robert Louis Stevenson 3. Charlotte Bront� 4. Charles Dickens "A Tale of Two Cities" holds the record as the most printed English book, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. The book was also a departure from Dickens' traditional writing, as it is only one of two historical fiction novels that he wrote (the other being "Barnaby Rudge").

[Ans] How many years is an official term of the U.S. Senate?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "How many years is an official term of the U.S. Senate?"

A senator's term of office is for 6 years. The Constitution prescribes that a Senator must be at least thirty years of age, have been a citizen of the United States for nine years, and, when elected, be a resident of the State from which he or she is chosen. Article I, section 3 of the Constitution requires the Senate to be divided into three classes for purposes of elections. Senators are elected to six-year terms, and every two years the members of one class--approximately one-third of the senators--face election or reelection. There is no limit to the number of terms they can serve.

[Answer] How many years is an official term of the U.S. Senate?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "How many years is an official term of the U.S. Senate?"

...A senator's term of office is for 6 years. The Constitution prescribes that a Senator must be at least thirty years of age, have been a citizen of the United States for nine years, and, when elected, be a resident of the State from which he or she is chosen. Article I, section 3 of the Constitution requires the Senate to be divided into three classes for purposes of elections. Senators are elected to six-year terms, and every two years the members of one class--approximately one-third of the senators--face election or reelection. There is no limit to the number of terms they can serve.

[Answer] Pink Floyd produced many hit albums over the years, which word correctly fits this title? "Dark Side of the _______"

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Pink Floyd produced many hit albums over the years, which word correctly fits this title? "Dark Side of the _______""

...Recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios, "Dark Side of the Moon" was one of the rare truly collaborative efforts of Pink Floyd, comprising at that time of Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. Groundbreaking innovations were trialled, including the use of analog synthesizers, quadraphonic sound, tape looping and multi-tracking. Alan Parsons (later of 'Alan Parsons Project') was the EMI staff engineer for this album. Hits included 'Money', 'Dark Side Of The Moon', 'Time', 'Breathe' and 'Great Gig In The Sky'.

[Answer] Pink Floyd produced many hit albums over the years, which word correctly fits this title? "Dark Side of the _______"

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Pink Floyd produced many hit albums over the years, which word correctly fits this title? "Dark Side of the _______""

...Recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios, "Dark Side of the Moon" was one of the rare truly collaborative efforts of Pink Floyd, comprising at that time of Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. Groundbreaking innovations were trialled, including the use of analog synthesizers, quadraphonic sound, tape looping and multi-tracking. Alan Parsons (later of 'Alan Parsons Project') was the EMI staff engineer for this album. Hits included 'Money', 'Dark Side Of The Moon', 'Time', 'Breathe' and 'Great Gig In The Sky'.

[Ans] Which explorer is believed to have discovered America 500 years before Christopher Columbus?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Which explorer is believed to have discovered America 500 years before Christopher Columbus?"

Leif Erikson was an Icelandic explorer and is generally believed to be the first European to reach North America, some 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Leif Eriksson was the son of Erik the Red, founder of the first European settlement on what is now called Greenland. In the early 1960s, the discovery of the ruins of a Viking settlement in Newfoundland lent further weight to accounts of Eriksson’s voyage, and in 1964 the United States Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to proclaim each October 9 as Leif Eriksson Day.

[Answer] Which explorer is believed to have discovered America 500 years before Christopher Columbus?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Which explorer is believed to have discovered America 500 years before Christopher Columbus?"

...Leif Erikson was an Icelandic explorer and is generally believed to be the first European to reach North America, some 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Leif Eriksson was the son of Erik the Red, founder of the first European settlement on what is now called Greenland. In the early 1960s, the discovery of the ruins of a Viking settlement in Newfoundland lent further weight to accounts of Eriksson’s voyage, and in 1964 the United States Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to proclaim each October 9 as Leif Eriksson Day.

[Ans] Which writer coined the term “atomic bomb” approximately thirty years before its invention?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Which writer coined the term “atomic bomb” approximately thirty years before its invention?"

The atom bomb was one of the defining inventions of the 20th Century. So how did science fiction writer HG Wells predict its invention three decades before the first detonations? Written in 1913, nearly 30 years before the Manhattan Project started, Wells' “The World Set Free” describes cities around the world being devastated by what he called "atomic bombs." Wells predicted not only the mushroom cloud we associate with atomic bombs, but their lasting radiation as well. He chose for his epitaph the words: “I told you so. You damned fools.”

[Answer] Which writer coined the term “atomic bomb” approximately thirty years before its invention?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Which writer coined the term “atomic bomb” approximately thirty years before its invention?"

...The atom bomb was one of the defining inventions of the 20th Century. So how did science fiction writer HG Wells predict its invention three decades before the first detonations? Written in 1913, nearly 30 years before the Manhattan Project started, Wells' The World Set Free describes cities around the world being devastated by what he called "atomic bombs." Wells predicted not only the mushroom cloud we associate with atomic bombs, but their lasting radiation as well. He chose for his epitaph the words: “I told you so. You damned fools.”

[Ans] How long was the Hundred Years' War?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "How long was the Hundred Years' War?"

The traditional story says the Hundred Years' War began in 1337. Philip VI of France tried to claim Guyenne, a region of Aquitaine in southwestern France. King Edward III of England took exception to that, responding by claiming the throne of France for himself. This dispute lasted until for 116 years, until 1453. The 1337-1453 dates mark the period of English hostilities on French soil, however, and are generally accepted as the dates for the Hundred Years' War. Source: History.com

[Ans] Who said, "The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy."?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Who said, "The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy."?"

Helen Hayes died at the age of 92 in 1993. Her long career included stage, film and television and spanned over eighty years. She began her career as a child actress during the first decade of the 20th century. By 1920, she was already established as one of the greatest female stars of the theatre. She won two Oscars during her long career. Although she retired from the stage in 1971 but remained tremendously popular in television and motion pictures. She finally retired from acting in 1985. Her fame continued until her death in Nyack, New York, from congestive heart failure. Source: IMDb.com