AUGUST 9 ANSWERS
1) August 6 marked the 65th anniversary of what pivotal historical event?
b) The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima
Over 100,000 Japanese lost their lives in the bombing.
2) In light of a major drought and numerous wildfires that have destroyed much of its wheat, this country announced that it will no longer export grain as of August 15. What country?
c) Russia
As a result of the announcement, wheat prices around the world immediately increased and, as a result, consumers will probably pay more for flour and bread in the coming months.
https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38573952/ns/business-world_business/
3) More than 1,500 people died in floods that recently hit what country?
c) Pakistan
An additional 12 million people have been affected by the floods. https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38520314/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia?GT1=43001
4) Earlier this week, voters in this African country approved a new constitution that reduced the powers of the country’s president and created a bicameral legislature. What country?
c) Kenya
The constitution also devolved more power to local governments.
5) According to the White House, what percentage of the oil that leaked from the Deepwater Horizon well remains in the Gulf?
b) 30%
Scientists believe that a placing a cap on the well and pumping mud into it have stopped the leak. Scientists also believe that most of the oil already leaked from the well has dissolved, burned, or been captured. Still, the amount of oil currently in the Gulf is estimated to be five times greater than the amount spilled by the Exxon Valdez in 1989.
6) According to a report released by the program’s trustees, the Medicare program is now estimated to be solvent until what year?
c) 2029
Previous estimates predicted program insolvency in 2017. As a result of the new health care law -- which reduces the amount of reimbursements to doctors -- the program’s life has been extended until 2029. https://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-08-05/medicare-will-be-viable-to-2029-backing-obama-claim.html
7) Singer Wyclef Jean recently announced that he intends to run for president of what country?
d) Haiti
Questions remain about whether the former member of The Fugees is constitutionally eligible for the presidency, given that he has lived most of his life in America.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-10888173
8) By a vote of 63-37, the United States Senate confirmed what woman as the next associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States?
a) Elana Kagan
For the first time in history, the Supreme Court now has three female Justices. https://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/07/kagan.swearing.in/index.html?iref=allsearch
9) The Senate recently confirmed Pres. Obama’s nomination of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James Clapper to what position?
d) Director of National Intelligence
As Director of National Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Clapper is responsible for overseeing the nation’s sixteen different spy agencies. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/05/AR2010080504980.html
10) What man recently became only the seventh major league player in history to hit 600 career home runs?
b) Alex Rodriguez
At 35, Rodriguez is the youngest player to reach the 600 home run mark. The all-time home run leader is Barry Bonds with 762. https://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5437158