1) President Obama and his family went on vacation last week. Where did they go?
a) Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
On the final day of his vacation, the president played golf with comedian Larry David.
https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/08/us-usa-obama-vacation-idUSBRE97715Q20130808
2) Over 500 protesters were killed by their own government in what African country last week?
d) Egypt
The protesters are upset that the military removed democratically elected president Mohammed Morsi from office last month. Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, is currently being held in prison.
https://www.suntimes.com/news/world/21924383-418/egypt-police-storm-2-pro-morsi-camps-in-cairo.html
3) Why did the Republican National Committee vote to boycott NBC and CNN?
b) The two networks are planning lengthy films about possible 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton
The Republicans believe the movies will be "little more than extended commercials promoting former secretary Clinton,” and, as a result of the boycott, CNN and NBC will not be permitted to broadcast any of the Republican presidential primary debates in 2015 and 2016. Neither movie is in production yet.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/16/rnc-vote-boycott-cnn-nbc-clinton
4) The Justice Department has announced that it will attempt to block the proposed merger between what two airlines?
b) USAir and American
The Justice Department is concerned that the merger will lead to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2013/08/13/justice-american-us-airways/2647545/
5) A federal judge ruled last week that this city’s “stop and frisk” policy was unconstitutional because it resulted in racial profiling. What city?
b) New York City, New York
The judge held that while “stop and frisk” was not an inherently unconstitutional policy, New York City officers were implementing the policy in a racially discriminatory way. So she appointed a monitor to oversee the program for the next year. The City plans to appeal the ruling.
https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/12/justice/new-york-stop-frisk
6) Why are some athletes and activists talking about boycotting the 2014 Winter Olympics?
a) The host country, Russia, recently passed an anti-gay propaganda law
In June, Russia’s legislature unanimously passed a law prohibiting "propaganda for non-traditional sexual relations."
https://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9522926/gay-rights-sochi-boycott-movement
7) Elon Musk of Tesla motors recently revealed his plans for what new-type of transportation?
a) The solar-powered hyperloop
The Hyperloop would transport people from city to city via pods enclosed in tubes. Musk believes that it could take people from Los Angeles to San Francisco in thirty minutes.
8) The olinguilo is the first new carnivore found in the Western hemisphere in 35 years. Where was it found?
a) The Andes Mountains
The olinguilo looks like a cross between a raccoon and a teddy bear.
https://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/08/15/new-mammal-species-discovered-with-teddy-bear-looks/
9) According to the Bolivian government, the oldest living person ever documented currently resides in that country near Lake Titicaca. According to the Bolivian government, how old is he?
b) 123
The man, Carmelo Flores Laura, lives in a straw-roofed, dirt-floor hut in a small town high in the mountains.
https://news.yahoo.com/bolivia-records-aymara-herder-123-years-old-202553434.html
10) What sport recently announced an expanded use of instant replay to help its officials make in-game calls?
b) MLB
Under the new rules which will go into effect in 2014, managers will receive challenge flags which they can use to demand review of an umpire’s call.