ROUND 1: Current events

1. On Thursday the online search engine google.com changed the logo
   on its home page for the day, as it occasionally does to mark
   special events. This time it was to celebrate the birthday of a 
   well-known artist. Name him.

A. Michelangelo Buonarotti


2. Which actor, sometimes called "Germany's James Dean", died on
   Monday at the age of 69?

A. Horst Buchholz


3. As of last week, Filipinos were barred from using e-mail, fax,
   or text messaging to do what? 
 
A. Confess their sins to a Catholic priest


4. From which New York City location was a Salvador Dali painting
   found to be missing last week? 

A. Riker's Island prison


5. The Toronto Maple Leafs bulked up for the playoffs by acquiring
   which forward in a trade with the San Jose Sharks last week?

A. Owen Nolan


6. A controversial Canadian book will have two photographs removed
   for its second printing, it was reported last week. Name the
   book or its author.

A. Steven Williams; Karla: A Pact With The Devil


7. Charlotte Beers quit her U.S. government job last week, citing
   health reasons, though there is also widespread doubt about her
   effectiveness in that position. Describe her function
   (generally) or give her job title (exactly!)

A. improving the image of the US in the Muslim/Arab world;
   her job title was Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy 
   and Public Affairs 

 

8. Which two former politicians (and adversaries) are slated to 
   appear on the CBS news magazine show 60 Minutes to engage in a
   series of short political debates?

A. Bill Clinton; Bob Dole


9. Who released the a book of poetry titled "Roman Tryptych" last
   week? It is already a bestseller in the author's native country.

A.  John Paul II (accept "the Pope")


10. Whom did Yasser Arafat choose last week for the position of
    Palestinian Prime Minister?

A. Mahmoud Abbas (also accept Abu Mazen, an alias)