Nationally, September was rude, with a congressman calling the president a liar, a tennis player threatening physical harm to a line judge and a recording artist dismissing an award winner.
North Dakota's dominant health insurance company gave new meaning to Elton John's hit "Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues." And the area had more coyotes and fewer pumpkins than normal, neither one a good thing.
But September wasn't all bad news. The Sioux football team hung in there against Texas Tech; the Twins hung in there until the final weekend; the Vikings went undefeated; most crops recovered from a cool summer; mosquitoes were as rare as a truth-based debate in the U.S. Senate; and the Plain Brown Wrapper sign came down.
Karl Rove was inducted into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame in Minot, becoming the first non-humble member. And North Dakota students performed above average on the ACT tests.
To see if you also are above average, please proceed with the September News Quiz.
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1. Who benefited most from September's warm weather?
A) Farmers, who saw their crops mature.
B) Outdoor enthusiasts, who were able to golf and bike in comfort.
C) Homeowners, who were able to complete yard work.
D) Smiley, who enjoyed a pleasant last month of his life.
2. What most scares Minnesota Vikings' opponents?
A) Brett Favre's passing.
B) Adrian Peterson's running.
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C) Percy Harvin's receiving.
D) Coach Brad Childress' beard.
3. Who is hoping the most that Gov. John Hoeven challenges Sen. Byron Dorgan?
A) In-state Republicans who believe Hoeven can win.
B) National Republicans who hope to derail filibuster-proof majority.
C) Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple, who would take over as governor.
D) Television station advertising salespeople.
4. What is the biggest sign that North Dakota largely has been unaffected by the recession?
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A) State had more workers (372,800) in June than ever before.
B) Energy and agriculture industries are doing well.
C) Construction downturn is only slight.
D) People paid as much as $495 a ticket to attend the concert of a blond, lip-synching singer who has only two assets, neither of which is singing or dancing.
5. What's the forecast for winter?
A) Cold, according to Farmers' Almanac.
B) Snowy, according to Farmers' Almanac.
C) Warm and dry, according to National Weather Service.
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D) Lots of wins, according to the WCHA Coaches Poll.
6. What is the likely result from Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm ordering Blue Cross Blue Shield to clean up its act after wasteful spending?
A) A revised incentive program in which bonuses aren't automatic.
B) Elimination of unreasonable expenses for retirement parties and banquets.
C) Travel policies that will prevent $250,000 junkets to the Cayman Islands.
D) Hamm will get kicked out of the Republican Party for picking on rich guys.
7. What was ACORN's most egregious act?
A) Registering Mickey Mouse to vote.
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B) Founder's brother stealing $900,000 from the organization.
C) Couple posing as prostitute and pimp were advised by ACORN to lie to set up business involving teenage hookers.
D) Couple posing as prostitute and pimp were advised by ACORN that evangelical politicians would be their best customers.
8. What was the weirdest fact for 2008 collected by the North Dakota Department of Health?
A) Divorces included one couple married for 63 years and another married for 13 days.
B) The oldest mother was 53.
C) The oldest father was 77.
D) The man most admired by other men, not coincidentally, was 77.
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9. Why was North Dakota ranked 25th and Minnesota 43rd in how states tax business?
A) North Dakota cut individual income tax rate.
B) North Dakota cut corporate income tax rate.
C) North Dakota cut corporate tax brackets.
D) North Dakota has 9,998 fewer lakes that need tax dollars to keep clean.
10. Why didn't local school administrators allow students to watch a live broadcast of President Obama's speech?
A) They wanted schools to monitor the speech for content first, leaving the option open to view it later.
B) Parents called with concerns.
C) It didn't work into the schedule.
D) Slackers objected to his message of urging students to study hard and stay in school.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com .
