Sometimes the old ways are the best. Sure, the Internet is a bottomless well of information, but anyone who's spent a frustrating hour or two trying to find a specific fact in that well recognizes the value of a well-organized reference book. The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2000 will tell you what you need to know in a minute or less, thanks to the comprehensive contents list and thumb index. Business, astronomy, science, politics, geography, and sports are all thoroughly covered, as well as highlights from 1999 and a special millennium section including top 10 lists from the past 1,000 years. A thought-provoking lead essay from Robert Reich on the struggle between technology and tribalism sets the stage for the rest of the book. Maps and demographic information give insight into the changing world, lists of organizations and personalities help us navigate the news, and the pages of data on everything from classic films to silver production are good for term papers and bar bets. Browse through the book and you're sure to find yourself stopping, reading, and learning. What do those TV ratings boxes mean? What is the order of succession to the presidency?