1. 2 Common arithmetic, and a little surveying, were the ne plus ultra of mathematical acquirements.

2. 1 This is madness, the ne plus ultra of American politicians betraying the American people.

3. 4 This tool is the ne plus ultra of micromotors, and features variable speed with high torque.

4. 5 Somehow, we've managed to get by without help from Jack Bauer, the ne plus ultra of counterterrorism on Fox's long-running ""

5. 3 The ne plus ultra of film festivals opened yesterday, which means there are exactly 11 more days and nights of red-carpet gazing to go.