News Quiz

By Kathleen Adams, Melissa August, Amanda Bower, Val Castronovo, Randy Hartwell, Ellin Martens, Sora Song and Josh Tyrangiel

1. Afghanistan's Taliban destroyed ancient Buddha statues because:

a) Only cutting off hands seemed silly b) They looked like Salman Rushdie c) They found them insulting to Muslims d) There's nothing else left to destroy

2. George Bush is:

a) Unconvinced small businesses need OSHA's "silly goggle rule" b) Sure that no one can see him c) Being given a tour of a factory in Beaver, Pa. d) About to sing a duet with Eminem

3. The Marines are working on a microwave-based weapon that:

a) Causes a burning sensation b) Is repelled with aluminum foil c) Creates giant killer marshmallows d) Reheats Saddam in 1:35

4. Goodyear's new tire, made with corn:

a) Is quieter, lighter and smoother b) Was tested only on butter roads c) Comes with cute, ear-shaped axles d) Beats Firestone's new nitroglycerin tire

5. Vending machines in London's tube sell:

a) home dental kits b) poetry c) cheaper but mad-cowier burgers d) remaining bits of Empire

ANSWERS: 1-c, 2-c, 3-a, 4-a, 5-b