November 11 Answers

1) Ten thousand people are feared dead as the result of Typhoon Haiyan which hit what country last week?

c) Philippines

The typhoon is believed to be one of the strongest storms in history.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/typhoon-of-historic-power-slams-philippines-brings-worries-of-catastrophic-damage/2013/11/07/f7f3c926-481a-11e3-95a9-3f15b5618ba8_story.html?hpid=z3

 

2) President Obama issued a public apology last week.  Why?

a) Despite previous assurances to the contrary, some people are losing their health insurance because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare).

Some people are losing coverage because their current policy does not meet certain requirements imposed by the law.

https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/president-americans-losing-health-care-article-1.1510222

 

3) Last week, the United States Senate passed a bill called ENDA.  If it becomes law, what would it do?

d) Prohibit employment discrimination against LGBTs

The law must pass the House of Representatives and the president must sign it before it becomes law.  It is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled House.

https://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/Senate-OKs-ban-on-LGBT-job-bias-House-fight-looms-4965216.php

 

4) What Republican was re-elected governor of New Jersey last week?

a) Chris Christie

Christie was re-elected by a wide margin despite the fact that New Jersey is a predominantly Democratic state.  He has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2016.

https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57610977/no-surprise-chris-christie-re-elected-as-new-jersey-governor/

 

5) Last week, Bill de Blasio was elected mayor of what city?

b) New York City

De Blasio won the election by 49 points after running on a highly progressive platform.  https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/nyregion/de-blasio-is-elected-new-york-city-mayor.html?_r=0

 

6) Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed rules that would effectively ban what substance?

b) Trans fat

Trans fats are believed to be a major contributor to heart disease. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/health/fda-trans-fats.html?hpw&rref=health&_r=2&

 

7) Thursday was the first day to buy a share of this company on the New York Stock Exchange.  What company?

b) Twitter

Share prices rose 73% over the course of the day.

https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303763804579181882915649914

 

8) This company announced last week that it is closing its 300 remaining stores.  What company?

c) Blockbuster

Blockbuster will continue to have an online presence.

https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/tech/gaming-gadgets/blockbuster-video-stores-impact/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

 

9) Voters in this state approved a marijuana tax last week.  What state?

c) Colorado

On the same day, voters in Portland, Maine agreed to legalize marijuana for recreational use.

https://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24462839/colorado-voters-approve-new-taxes-recreational-marijuana

 

10) What quarterback recently tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes?

d) Nick Foles

Foles, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, was filling in for the injured Michael Vick.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/11/03/nick-foles-ties-record-seven-td-passes-eagles-rout-raiders/3427459/