October News Quiz: It was tough month for sugar beets, Svedjan

It was difficult to enjoy life in October.

The outside had crappy weather. The inside had crappy political commercials on TV. Inside and outside, pesky Asian ladybugs ruled.

Economic news was mixed, with the Dow Jones industrial average setting records for growth while Ford Motor Co. set records for losses - $5.8 billion in only three months.

That's a lot of money, roughly the same amount spent on beer in Ralph Engelstad Arena during its existence. REA celebrated its five-year anniversary, while the News Quiz celebrated its eighth anniversary.

So, wipe away your nostalgic tears and proceed with the October News Quiz:

1. The month's best campaign was:

A) Amy Klobuchar's to become senator.

B) Tim Pawlenty's to return as governor.

C) Earl Pomeroy's to return as congressman.

D) The sugar beet campaign, with a yield 8 percent better than perfection.

2. A press conference unveiled the logo for the 2008 World Men's Curling championship that will be held in Grand Forks. The swirling logo depicts:

A) The action of the sport.

B) The competition of the sport.

C) The speed of the curling stone.

D) The speed of the curlers heading to the bar after the 10th end.

3. State Rep. Ken Svedjan of Grand Forks spent about $36,000 in taxpayer money traveling in the last biennium. Why so much?

A) As chairman of House Appropriations Committee, a powerful position, he needed to travel.

B) Several trips were because he's a leader of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

C) He was working on national legislation to cut North Dakotans' taxes.

D) He is addicted to Northwest Airlines' pretzels.

4. What is the biggest early indication that the UND hockey team will have another outstanding record?

A) Return of top forward talent such as T.J. Oshie and Jonathan Toews.

B) Return of five of their top six defensemen.

C) Its tradition of winning.

D) Schedule is soft, with the absence of such powers as Holy Cross.

5. The most compelling argument made by opponents of the 20/20 Initiative was that mandating renewable energy could:

A) Raise the cost of energy.

B) Reduce options.

C) Hurt economic development.

D) Mean cutting ties with all of our pals in the Middle East.

6. Lakeville Township residents voted against a developer's offer to build a landfill despite generous enticements. The most enticing offer from the developer was:

A) He would pay all of the township's taxes, up to $150,000.

B) He would pay for improvements to County Road 33.

C) He promised strict environmental safeguards.

D) He promised lots of beautiful gulls circling overhead.

7. When the U.S. population exceeded 300 million, the number was reached faster than anticipated. Why?

A) High immigration rate.

B) Steady birth rate.

C) Longer life spans.

D) The rest of the nation isn't following North Dakota's tested formula for no growth.

8. The biggest sports upset of the month was:

A) St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series.

B) Detroit Tigers winning the American League.

C) Minnesota Vikings winning in Seattle.

D) Minnesota Gophers defeating North Dakota State Bison in football.

9. A survey of Grand Forks students in grades 7-12 showed a drop in:

A) Drinking.

B) Smoking.

C) Drug use.

D) Honesty in taking surveys.

10. The last two weeks of the month brought 18 drug arrests in Devils Lake, 42 drug and firearm arrests in Roseau County and nine drug arrests in Rolette County. Why all the arrests?

A) Spread of methamphetamine use continues.

B) Diligent work by law enforcement.

C) Reliable informants.

D) It's election time.

Bakken reports on local news and writes a column. Reach him at 780-1125, (800) 477-6572 ext. 125 or rbakken@gfherald.com .