FOCUS on the World FOCUS on the Nation
Iranian Cabinet Member Impeached North Dakota Food Bank Sets New Rules
Iranian Interior Minister Ali Kordan was impeached for: A North Dakota food bank will only accept venison killed by
accepting bribes, faking his degree or insider stock trades? arrows out of concern for: animal rights, gun safety or lead
Faking his degree—lawmakers had questioned his degree poisoning?
from Oxford University during his confirmation hearings in Lead poisoning—they are concerned that fragments from
August and he finally admitted it was fake—the vote was lead bullets can be ingested from eating the donated meat
seen as a defeat for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Point Value Questions:
Point Value Questions: [ ] 5 points
[ ] 5 points A new report says that 49 of the 50 states are either in reces-
Four missiles were released when two fighter jets collided in sion or at risk of recession with the lone ‘expanding’ state
mid-air in a training exercise in: Iraq, South Korea or China? being: Hawaii, Texas or Alaska?
South Korea—one pilot ejected safely and the other was able Alaska—the oil-rich Alaskan economy has an expanding
to land his plane—the missiles did not explode and three economy as does Washington, DC with its government-
were recovered while the military looked for the fourth related job market*
[ ] 5 points [ ] 5 points
Osama bin Laden’s son, Omar Osama bin Laden, is seeking The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow
asylum in: Spain, France or Canada? airports nationwide to sell ads: in the plastic bins at security
Spain—he was living in Egypt where he has said he wants to checkpoints, on the vests of TSA agents or on the outside of
be an ambassador for peace between the Muslim world and the x-ray machines used by TSA?
the west—he was traveling with a Saudi Arabian passport* In the plastic bins at security checkpoints—a pilot program at
14 airports around the country generated over $400K in new
[ ] 5 points equipment for the TSA paid for by advertising revenues
Government officials refused a rebel warlord’s demand for
direct talks to end the fighting in: Libya, Congo or Morocco? [ ] 5 points
Congo—President Kabila's administration says it is “open for A Wisconsin teenager survived after being crushed in: a ce-
dialogue” with all rebel and militia groups in the region but will ment mixer, a recycling garbage truck or a car crusher?
not meet with the Rwandan-back Tutsi rebels alone A recycling garbage truck—he ran away from a boot camp-
style school and hid in a recycling trash bin
[ ] 10 points
Sudden monsoon winds and waves overturned a passenger [ ] 10 points
ferry in: the Philippines, Japan or Fiji? DNA tests have confirmed that millionaire adventurer Steve
The Philippines—the ferry had been sailing in relatively clear Fossett died when his plane crashed in September 2007 in:
weather when it was hit by a sudden monsoon storm—at Texas, California or Illinois?
least 39 people were killed but another 76 were rescued California—the crash site and Fossett’s remains were found
in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains
[ ] 10 points
Suspected Muslim insurgents detonated two bombs in south- [ ] 10 points
ern: Malaysia, Thailand or Laos? A juror in Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) corruption case lied about
Thailand—southern Thailand has experienced a Muslim in- her father dying and instead left jury deliberations to attend: a
surgency since 2004—the intended targets appeared to be a rock concert, a movie premier or horse races?
meeting of about 300 village chiefs and local officials—at Horse races—when she returned with a rambling excuse the
least 71 people were injured and one killed in the explosions judge said he was convinced she would not have been able
to deliberate—she was replaced during deliberations anyway
[ ] 15 points
As residents danced in the streets, the president of what [ ] 15 points
country declared a national holiday to honor Obama’s win? What No. 2 consumer electronics retailer announced plans to
Kenya—relatives in the village where Obama’s father was close 155 stores by the end of the year?
born celebrated the candidate they call the ‘son of the soil’— Circuit City—that would be about 20 percent of its 700 stores
people throughout Africa see his win as a testament to what which could affect as many as 7,300 jobs
is possible in America in a changing world
* Bonus Question:
* Bonus Question: [ ] 20 points
[ ] 20 points Economists say that six states account for almost 60 percent
Omar Osama bin Laden made headlines last year when he of homeowners who are ‘underwater’ on their mortgages
married a woman from what western country? which means what?
England—they tried to get residency there but British officials They owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth—
denied their request on the grounds that he had demon- almost half of Nevada’s homeowners owe more than their
strated continuing loyalty to his father—it was not clear why 3 homes are worth and similar situations exist in CA, AZ, FL,
they chose Spain or on what grounds he sought asylum GA and MI where home prices have dropped drastically
FOCUS on Government FOCUS on Science
Obama Elected 44th President Tasmanian Devils May Become Extinct
While some states remained too close to call the morning Authorities warn that an infectious cancer may cause Tasma-
after the election, by Tuesday night Obama had won more nian devils to become extinct in how many years: 5, 20 or 50?
than how many electoral votes needed to win the election: 20—the Tasmanian devil population has declined by over
227, 270 or 357? 50% in the last 10 years and there is concern that without a
270– that is the tipping point that both candidates were aim- vaccine the rest will die within 20 years
ing for to win the election—as of Wednesday morning most
news outlets had Obama at between 338-349 to 162 for Point Value Questions:
McCain with the remainder still to be decided [ ] 5 points
A new proposal by federal parks officials would limit what in
Point Value Questions: Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks: snowmobiles,
[ ] 5 points tour busses or private camping vehicles (RVs)?
Over 100,000 people turned out to hear Obama’s acceptance Snowmobiles—the current cap of 605 per day in both parks
speech in: Chicago, Washington, DC or Atlanta? would be lowered to 318/day in Yellowstone and 50/day in
Chicago—the crowds formed at Grant Park in Chicago long Grand Teton—the average in Yellowstone was 294 last year
before election results were in and many were crying with joy
when his win was officially announced [ ] 5 points
NASA said a refrigerator-sized piece of space junk fell into
[ ] 5 points the: Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean or Indian Ocean?
In what many considered a gracious and eloquent concession Pacific Ocean—the junk did not harm anyone when it fell into
speech, Sen. John McCain congratulated Obama from his the ocean between Australia and New Zealand*
headquarters in his home state of: Texas, Florida or Arizona?
Arizona—Sen. McCain called for unity and pledged his sup- [ ] 5 points
port in helping Obama get the country out of the current finan- A new study shows that counties in the Northwest that re-
cial crisis and other major issues he faces corded the most rainfall also recorded the highest rates of
what among children: autism, diabetes or leukemia?
[ ] 5 points Autism—among the theories for why are that they are not
Days before the election, Gov. Sarah Palin was ‘pranked’ by getting enough vitamin D, they are exposed to toxins in the
two radio DJs in: New York, Montreal or London? rainwater or they watch too much TV while indoors so much
Montreal—they said they just started calling various aids to
the governor until they finally got through to her* [ ] 10 points
A University of Colorado study shows who has more bacteria
[ ] 10 points on their hands, men or women?
President Bush congratulated Obama on his victory calling it Women—the researchers were not certain why but added
an historic event for the United States and promised that not all bacteria on human skin is harmful
‘complete cooperation’ during the transition period before
Obama is inaugurated on what day? [ ] 10 points
January 20 (2009)—Bush said Obama’s victory was “a tri- Scientists have discovered the most efficient producer of bio-
umph of the American story” and a proud moment in Ameri- fuels than any other known method is: algae in the ocean, a
can history—the transition period will last 76 days rainforest fungus or a fast-growing species of corn?
A rainforest fungus—not only is it far more efficient than
[ ] 10 points switchgrass or corn—but the fungus is challenging the theo-
In one of his first decisions as president-elect, Obama offered ries of how crude oil was made by nature in the first place
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) what White House job?
Chief of Staff—the veteran of the Clinton Administration is [ ] 15 points
said to have aspirations to be Speaker of the House someday A new study shows which are more dangerous for spreading
but analysts say his experience would serve Obama well diseases, big or small mosquitoes?
Small—the tests showed the smaller mosquitoes were more
[ ] 15 points likely to become infected by blood carrying disease than the
While some Senate seats are too close to call, the House larger mosquitoes—which they could then pass to humans
Democrats have their biggest majority since what year? through mosquito bites
1993—Democrats gained at least 17 seats in the House with
nine still undecided the day after elections * Bonus Question:
[ ] 20 points
* Bonus Question: The space junk was a tank full of ammonia coolant that was
[ ] 20 points discarded from what in July 2007?
The radio DJs called Palin and pretended to be the president The International Space Station—it was a reserve supply of
of what country? spare coolant on the ISS since 2001 but was thrown over-
France—they pretended to be President Nicolas Sarkozy for board by astronaut Clayton Anderson when it wasn’t needed
about six minutes before telling her she had been pranked— 4
the same DJs pranked Sarkozy after he was elected
Focus on Sports FOCUS on Entertainment
Texas Tech Shakes Up BCS Polls Former Doctor Returns to ‘ER’
The Texas Tech Red Raiders went from No. 7 to No. 2 by Which former cast member will appear in a flashback scene
beating: Alabama, Texas or Oklahoma? on ‘ER’ on November 13: George Clooney, Anthony Edwards
Texas—before the game Texas was ranked No. 1 but or Eriq La Salle?
dropped to No. 4 in the BCS standings after the 39-33 loss Anthony Edwards—now active with charity work, he thought
he would never return, but he decided he would if his salary
Point Value Questions: would be donated to a fundraiser for a hospital in Kenya
[ ] 5 points
According to political tradition, Obama was the predicted Point Value Questions:
presidential winner when the Washington Redskins lost to [ ] 5 points
the: Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys or Miami Dolphins? Kiefer Sutherland resumes his role of Jack Bauer for the sev-
Pittsburgh Steelers—traditionally if the Redskins lose their enth season of ‘24’ will premier over two nights in: November,
last home game before election day, the party in office also December or January?
loses and vice-versa* January—the premier will total four hours in two nights of two-
hour premier episodes
[ ] 5 points
The Detroit Pistons traded three players to get Alan Iverson [ ] 5 points
from the: Philadelphia 76ers, LA Lakers or Denver Nuggets? Two surfers pleaded not guilty for allegedly throwing a papa-
Denver Nuggets—the Pistons traded guard Chauncey razzi in the water as he tried to photograph: Keanu Reeves,
Billups, forward Antonio McDyess and center Cheikh Samb Matthew McConaughey or Shia LaBeouf?
Matthew McConaughey—the actor was surfing in Malibu in
[ ] 5 points June when paparazzi showed up to try to take pictures of him
The Spurs are off to a 0-3 start for the first time since the
1973-74 season after Dirk Nowitzki scored 30 points in a [ ] 5 points
98-81 win by the: Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks or After a 46-year absence, what Oscar-winning actress will
Oklahoma City Thunder? return to Broadway in 2009: Jane Fonda, Cher or Olympia
Dallas Mavericks—teammate Jason Terry had 29—the Spurs Dukakis?
joined the NBA in 1976 but had a 0-4 start in the ABA in Jane Fonda—the 70-year-old actress will appear in Moises
1973-74 in their first season in San Antonio after moving Kaufman’s ‘33 Variations’ in early 2009*
there from Dallas (where they were the Chaparrals)
[ ] 10 points
[ ] 10 points Joaquin Phoenix says he’s retiring from acting for good and
What team beat the Green Bay Packers to go 8-0 in the NFL? will now devote his time to what?
Tennessee Titans—they are the only undefeated team in the His music—he learned to play guitar and did his own singing
NFL this season after their 19-16 win in OT when he played Johnny Cash in ‘Walk the Line’ for which he
was nominated for an Oscar
[ ] 10 points
Fan-favorite Brady Quinn will start as quarterback in place of [ ] 10 points
Derek Anderson for what team? Fox is cancelling what animated series which is currently in
Cleveland Browns—the team said Anderson was still the QB its 13th year on the air?
but Quinn would start in Thursdays game against the Broncos ‘King of the Hill’—due to the long production schedule of
animated shows the last episodes will likely air in the 2009-10
[ ] 15 points TV season
After a rain-delay, the Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays in
how many games of the World Series? [ ] 15 points
Five—Game 5 was rain-delayed two days with a score of 2-2 What actor/director and political activist made the news when
but the Phillies came back to win 4-3 and took the series with he learned his name had been removed from the voting rolls
four games to one over the Rays in the best-of-seven series when he tried to vote in Manhattan?
Tim Robbins—he had to see a judge at a Manhattan court-
* Bonus Question: house to prove he was a registered voter and should be al-
[ ] 20 points lowed to vote—reportedly at least 40 other people at his poll-
Asked during ESPN’s Monday Night Football telecast what he ing place found themselves inexplicably not on the list of reg-
would change in sports, what did Obama say? istered voters
The college football ranking system—he said he would do
away with the BCS system and have a championship like in * Bonus Question:
other sports that matched up the best eight teams through [ ] 20 points
playoffs until one came out the champion—McCain said he Written and directed by Moises Kaufman, the play, ‘33 Varia-
would take action to prevent the spread of performance- tions’ is about what classical music composer?
enhancing drugs in sports Beethoven—it centers around his fascination with a trivial
5 waltz and the modern-day musicologist (played by Fonda)
who sets out to discover the root of his obsession
FOCUS on History Roundup
Student Protestors Storm US Embassy The following items made the news last week:
In 1979, student protestors loyal to the Ayatollah Khomeini [ ] 5 points
stormed the US Embassy in: Baghdad, Tehran or Beirut? Residents were anxiously watching the outcome of US elec-
Tehran—the Iran hostage crises would last for 444 days end- tions in the fishing port of Obama: Japan, Vietnam or Laos?
ing on the day of Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in Jan 1981 Japan—polls in Japan favored Obama over McCain 73%-7%
Point Value Questions: [ ] 5 points
[ ] 5 points A 92-year-old Texas woman was so determined to vote, she
In 1922, Howard Carter discovered the entrance to King Tut’s arrived: in a golf cart, in an ambulance or on horseback?
tomb in what is now: Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia or Egypt? An ambulance—she suffered a stroke four years ago so is
Egypt—his was the most complete ancient Egyptian tomb unable to walk—after missing her chance to cast an absentee
ever found—a step to the entrance was discovered on 11/04 ballot she hired an ambulance to take her to vote this year
leading explorers to enter the tomb on 11/26
[ ] 5 points
[ ] 5 points 73-year-old student Ken Mink scored how many points for
In 1793, the Louvre opened as a public museum in: Paris, Roane State Community College: 2, 18 or 34?
London or New York City? 2—he made two free throws after being fouled—he played
Paris—many in France had been calling for the public display college ball 52 years ago but was expelled after someone
of the royal art collections—the Louvre was opened by the soaped the coaches office windows—he says he didn’t do it
French revolutionary government*
[ ] 5 points
[ ] 5 points Cities around the country are commissioning sculptures that
After the passage of the 23rd Amendment three years earlier, double as: parking meters, bike racks or drinking fountains?
residents of Washington, DC cast their first ballots in a presi- Bike racks—the idea of merging art with promoting energy
dential election in: 1864, 1924 or 1964? conservation and biking in major cities is catching on
1964—Congress had terminated DC residents’ voting rights
in 1801—the 61-square-mile DC has over 550,000 residents [ ] 5 points
and gets 3 electoral votes in presidential elections—the same Flights were delayed at Boston’s Logan Int’l Airport as
number of electoral votes as the least populous state of WY authorities chased down an escaped: dog, cat or rabbit?
Dog—a poodle named Choochy got out of her kennel as she
[ ] 10 points was being unloaded from a flight and ran around the runways
Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt was reelected for a record
third term in: 1940, 1944 or 1948? [ ] 10 points
1944—he first took office in 1933 with a promise to lead the A Maltese named Max is on his way home to Florida after
country out of the Great Depression—with a cooperative De- being found 1,200 miles away in: Detroit, Chicago or Dallas?
mocratic majority in Congress he enacted most of his ‘New Chicago—his owner reported him stolen several months
Deal’ economic package in his first 100 days in office ago—he was identified by a microchip when he was found
[ ] 10 points [ ] 10 points
In 1956, the Soviet Union brutally crushed a spontaneous A soup kitchen exclusively for dogs of the homeless and
uprising in: Hungary, Yugoslavia or Czechoslovakia? unemployed opened in: Berlin, Dublin or Vienna?
Hungary—Soviet troops and tanks killed thousands of Hun- Berlin—critics wondered if the money shouldn’t be spent on
garian protestors ending the 12-day revolution which de- people in light of the global economic crisis
manded democracy and freedom from Soviet oppression
[ ] 10 points
[ ] 15 points Fearing a major crime, Swiss police followed a trail of blood
In 1903, with the backing of the United States, Panama along a highway only to find it was: a Halloween prank, red
declared its independence from: Mexico, Spain or Columbia? paint or a butcher van leaking its cargo?
Columbia—the revolution was engineered by backers of the A butcher van leaking its cargo—it led to a sausage factory
company which hoped to build the canal that would connect
the Atlantic and Pacific—as part of the deal the US got exclu- [ ] 15 points
sive and permanent possession of the Panama Canal Zone— The Iraqi government announced plans to sell what luxury
after years of negotiations and protests the canal zone was item formerly owned by Saddam Hussein for $35 million?
eventually returned to Panama in December 1999 His yacht—the 269-foot super-yacht has swimming pools,
salons, a secret passage and rocket launchers
* Bonus Question:
[ ] 20 points [ ] 15 points
The Louvre was originally what? A symbolic sculpture in New York City, which spells the word
A palace—it was first commissioned in 1546 by King Francis ‘ECONOMY’ was made from what temporary material?
I, an avid art collector, to be his royal residence—many sub- 6 Ice—watching the economy melt was intended to be symbolic
sequent monarchs expanded its building and grounds and of the financial crisis—they did a similar one spelling
expanded the royal art collection as well—it remained the DEMOCRACY for the Democratic & Republican conventions
royal residence until Louis XIV moved to Versailles