1. Faster than a speeding bullet train, at 357 mph this new generation of TGV locomotive set a new rail speed record this week. What country developed and launched the train?  Take a look at a video of the event. Watch a video of the event.
   
   
2. What country currently holds the world speed record for the fastest magnetically levitated (maglev) train? Learn how maglev trains work.
   
   
3. Who was the first President of the United States to ride a train?

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Who knew bankers were such romantics. What heartfelt gesture graced the Washington Mutual Center in downtown Seattle this week?

After the discovery of a 2,000-year-old coin brandishing the two well-known profiles, scholars were quick to point out that the famous paramours were decidedly not as attractive as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Can you name antiquity's favorite couple?

He may not be hunting for love, but this handsome beau had a spring in his step after winning the Best in Show Trophy at the 131st Westminster Dog Show. What breed was this top dog named James?

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It's that time of year when we pitch the modern advances of meteorology, and we pin our hopes of an early spring on the bashful shadow of a portly prognosticator from the keystone state. Yep, Punxsutawney Phil, groundhog extraordinaire, will head (or be forced) outdoors on February 2 at 7:00 a.m. EST to see or not to see his shadow.

Learn more about this venerable winter tradition and my favorite furry forecaster.

Update:  Phil Says Spring is Right Around the Corner!

Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/07 at 7:28 a.m. at Gobbler's Knob:

El Nino has caused high winds, heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures in the west.
Here in the East with much mild winter weather we have been blessed.

Global warming has caused a great debate.
This mild winter makes it seem just great.

On this Groundhog Day we think of one thing.
Will we have winter or will we have spring?

On Gobbler's Knob I see no shadow today.
I predict that early spring is on the way.

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Hailed as the best jazz musician of the twentieth century, Louis Armstrong was born and raised in what city? (Hint: The city's airport bears his name.)

Discovered at Amateur Night at the Apollo, this 13-time Grammy winner set the standard for jazz singing in America, and was honored this week with the unveiling of her commemorative stamp. Can you name the artist?

Born in Washington, D.C. in 1899, this elegant composer, musician and band leader was American jazz royalty. Can you name the artist?

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Every year since 1947, this country has presented the City of London and the people of the Great Britain with a Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square? Name the country (Bonus points for the reason why.)

What trees are older than the pyramids and still living? 

In 1959, the first mass-produced aluminum tree appeared in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. What was it called?

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