Red was unaware that there was a Geographic Bee, but is pleased to report that Pranay Varada of Irving has won this year’s Bee. The event, sponsored not surprisingly by National Geographic Magazine, tests the entrants knowledge of countries, rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, borders and cultures. Second place went to Thomas Wright of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Bee was decided in a thrilling sudden-death tiebreaker won by Varada when he correctly identified the Kunlun mountains, a 1,200-mile range along the Tibetan plateau. Who knew? Certainly not Red who somewhat prides himself on his geographic knowledge.
Quick – what city is famous for Boston baked beans?
Varada finished in sixth place last year, but another year of hard work (who doesn’t love looking at maps) paid off. He won a $50,000 scholarship, a trip to the Galapagos Islands and a lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society.
Paradise in Hell 