Question: How does Mr. Ratmansky coach his casts?

The week brings five casts at the Metropolitan Opera House. Having already seen five casts in the production’s opening season this March in California, I can attest that it’s rewarding to see them all — partly because Mr. Ratmansky has coached his casts with different textual options. There are, for example, two versions of the Lilac Fairy’s solo variation in the Prologue — both notated from the original St. Petersburg production. In the Act III wedding pas de deux, Sarah Lane and Herman Cornejo (on Thursday) eschew the celebrated and traditional fish dives. They instead perform supported pirouettes with an upright ending (one leg flourished to the side) — which is recorded in the notation as the original choreography.

Answer: casts with different textual options

The week brings five casts at the Metropolitan Opera House. <hl> Having already seen five casts in the production’s opening season this March in California, I can attest that it’s rewarding to see them all — partly because Mr. Ratmansky has coached his casts with different textual options . <hl> There are, for example, two versions of the Lilac Fairy’s solo variation in the Prologue — both notated from the original St. Petersburg production. In the Act III wedding pas de deux, Sarah Lane and Herman Cornejo (on Thursday) eschew the celebrated and traditional fish dives. They instead perform supported pirouettes with an upright ending (one leg flourished to the side) — which is recorded in the notation as the original choreography.

The week brings five casts at the Metropolitan Opera House. Having already seen five casts in the production’s opening season this March in California, I can attest that it’s rewarding to see them all — partly because Mr. Ratmansky has coached his <hl> casts with different textual options <hl>. There are, for example, two versions of the Lilac Fairy’s solo variation in the Prologue — both notated from the original St. Petersburg production. In the Act III wedding pas de deux, Sarah Lane and Herman Cornejo (on Thursday) eschew the celebrated and traditional fish dives. They instead perform supported pirouettes with an upright ending (one leg flourished to the side) — which is recorded in the notation as the original choreography.

Having already seen five casts in the production’s opening season this March in California, I can attest that it’s rewarding to see them all — partly because Mr. Ratmansky has coached his <hl> casts with different textual options <hl> .


Question: What is the stance of the National Right to Work Committee regarding the policy?

But it remains unclear what effect months of lobbying have had. “I know we’ve flipped some,” said Greg Mourad, a vice president at the National Right to Work Committee, which supports the legislation. “Whether we’ve flipped enough or not, I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.” Missouri, whose union footprint has decreased in recent decades as manufacturing jobs have moved abroad, is increasingly rare as a Midwestern state without a right-to-work law. Of the states it borders, all but Illinois and Kentucky have some version of the policy on the books. Mr. Mourad said that puts Missouri at a disadvantage when competing with its neighbors to attract a new factory or business.

Answer: supports the legislation

But it remains unclear what effect months of lobbying have had. <hl> “I know we’ve flipped some,” said Greg Mourad, a vice president at the National Right to Work Committee, which supports the legislation . <hl> “Whether we’ve flipped enough or not, I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.” Missouri, whose union footprint has decreased in recent decades as manufacturing jobs have moved abroad, is increasingly rare as a Midwestern state without a right-to-work law. Of the states it borders, all but Illinois and Kentucky have some version of the policy on the books. Mr. Mourad said that puts Missouri at a disadvantage when competing with its neighbors to attract a new factory or business.

But it remains unclear what effect months of lobbying have had. “I know we’ve flipped some,” said Greg Mourad, a vice president at the National Right to Work Committee, which <hl> supports the legislation <hl>. “Whether we’ve flipped enough or not, I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.” Missouri, whose union footprint has decreased in recent decades as manufacturing jobs have moved abroad, is increasingly rare as a Midwestern state without a right-to-work law. Of the states it borders, all but Illinois and Kentucky have some version of the policy on the books. Mr. Mourad said that puts Missouri at a disadvantage when competing with its neighbors to attract a new factory or business.

“I know we’ve flipped some,” said Greg Mourad, a vice president at the National Right to Work Committee, which <hl> supports the legislation <hl> .


Question: What were her comments unlikely to do for proponents of gun laws?

In the wake of Thursday’s attack, Mrs. Clinton made sure to acknowledge that “gun ownership is part of the fabric of many American communities,” before urging broad policies to address gun violence. “We must come together for common sense gun violence prevention reforms that keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and the violently unstable, while respecting responsible gun owners,” she said in a statement that was unlikely to offer encouragement to proponents of stricter gun laws.

Answer: offer encouragement

In the wake of Thursday’s attack, Mrs. Clinton made sure to acknowledge that “gun ownership is part of the fabric of many American communities,” before urging broad policies to address gun violence. <hl> “We must come together for common sense gun violence prevention reforms that keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and the violently unstable, while respecting responsible gun owners,” she said in a statement that was unlikely to offer encouragement to proponents of stricter gun laws. <hl>

In the wake of Thursday’s attack, Mrs. Clinton made sure to acknowledge that “gun ownership is part of the fabric of many American communities,” before urging broad policies to address gun violence. “We must come together for common sense gun violence prevention reforms that keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and the violently unstable, while respecting responsible gun owners,” she said in a statement that was unlikely to <hl> offer encouragement <hl> to proponents of stricter gun laws.


Question: Which body is in charge of rules prohibiting commercial drone flight?

Currently, the F.A.A. permits farmers and others to apply for exemptions to the rule prohibiting commercial drone flight. About 300 exemptions have been granted to people in many industries. Ms. Hediger and Mr. Jacobs, the farmers, both said they planned to apply — once their busy growing seasons were over. But the line for a permit is lengthy. In early May, there were nearly 1,000 people on the wait list. Penalties for drone-flying farmers range from a stiff email urging compliance all the way to a fine of $27,500. No growers, however, have been fined to date, according to Les Dorr, an F.A.A. spokesman. “We recognize that unmanned aircraft have an enormous potential for monitoring crops,” Mr. Dorr said. But he urged eager drone fliers to be patient as the administration weighed safety concerns. “Rule-making,” he said, “can take time.”

Answer: F.A.A.

<hl> Currently, the F.A.A. permits farmers and others to apply for exemptions to the rule prohibiting commercial drone flight. <hl> About 300 exemptions have been granted to people in many industries. Ms. Hediger and Mr. Jacobs, the farmers, both said they planned to apply — once their busy growing seasons were over. But the line for a permit is lengthy. In early May, there were nearly 1,000 people on the wait list. Penalties for drone-flying farmers range from a stiff email urging compliance all the way to a fine of $27,500. No growers, however, have been fined to date, according to Les Dorr, an F.A.A. spokesman. “We recognize that unmanned aircraft have an enormous potential for monitoring crops,” Mr. Dorr said. But he urged eager drone fliers to be patient as the administration weighed safety concerns. “Rule-making,” he said, “can take time.”

Currently, the <hl> F.A.A. <hl> permits farmers and others to apply for exemptions to the rule prohibiting commercial drone flight. About 300 exemptions have been granted to people in many industries. Ms. Hediger and Mr. Jacobs, the farmers, both said they planned to apply — once their busy growing seasons were over. But the line for a permit is lengthy. In early May, there were nearly 1,000 people on the wait list. Penalties for drone-flying farmers range from a stiff email urging compliance all the way to a fine of $27,500. No growers, however, have been fined to date, according to Les Dorr, an F.A.A. spokesman. “We recognize that unmanned aircraft have an enormous potential for monitoring crops,” Mr. Dorr said. But he urged eager drone fliers to be patient as the administration weighed safety concerns. “Rule-making,” he said, “can take time.”


Question: What is Mrs. Geller's job?

Mrs. Geller, 27, is a litigation associate at the law firm Farber, Pappalardo & Carbonari in White Plains. She graduated from Fordham and received a law degree cum laude from Pace University. She is the daughter of Dr. Devmani J. Jaitly and Dr. Sharad C. Jaitly of Greenwich. The bride’s father is a cardiologist in West Nyack, N.Y. Her mother is an oncologist at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, where she is also a clinical assistant professor, teaching palliative medicine to students from New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. Mr. Geller, 28, works in Manhattan as the editor of Boy Genius Report, a mobile and online news provider that is part of the Penske Media Corporation. He is a son of Susan R. Geller and Stephen L. Geller, also of Greenwich, who are retired. The groom’s mother was the chief executive and his father was the owner and chairman of SLG Advertising, a company in Greenwich.

Answer: litigation associate

<hl> Mrs. Geller, 27, is a litigation associate at the law firm Farber, Pappalardo & Carbonari in White Plains. <hl> She graduated from Fordham and received a law degree cum laude from Pace University. She is the daughter of Dr. Devmani J. Jaitly and Dr. Sharad C. Jaitly of Greenwich. The bride’s father is a cardiologist in West Nyack, N.Y. Her mother is an oncologist at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, where she is also a clinical assistant professor, teaching palliative medicine to students from New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. Mr. Geller, 28, works in Manhattan as the editor of Boy Genius Report, a mobile and online news provider that is part of the Penske Media Corporation. He is a son of Susan R. Geller and Stephen L. Geller, also of Greenwich, who are retired. The groom’s mother was the chief executive and his father was the owner and chairman of SLG Advertising, a company in Greenwich.

Mrs. Geller, 27, is a <hl> litigation associate <hl> at the law firm Farber, Pappalardo & Carbonari in White Plains. She graduated from Fordham and received a law degree cum laude from Pace University. She is the daughter of Dr. Devmani J. Jaitly and Dr. Sharad C. Jaitly of Greenwich. The bride’s father is a cardiologist in West Nyack, N.Y. Her mother is an oncologist at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, where she is also a clinical assistant professor, teaching palliative medicine to students from New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. Mr. Geller, 28, works in Manhattan as the editor of Boy Genius Report, a mobile and online news provider that is part of the Penske Media Corporation. He is a son of Susan R. Geller and Stephen L. Geller, also of Greenwich, who are retired. The groom’s mother was the chief executive and his father was the owner and chairman of SLG Advertising, a company in Greenwich.


Question: What will union members do after the agreement is presented?

The U.A.W. had been discussing creating a health care collective covering workers at all three companies for the purpose of saving money on the costs of medical care and prescription drugs. “The cooperative arrangement is embedded in the spirit of this agreement, and I really hope it gets implemented,” Mr. Marchionne said. Mr. Williams said he would present the tentative agreement on Wednesday to union officials from Fiat Chrysler facilities across the country. After that takes place, union members will vote on the pact. He said the vote would probably take place next week.

Answer: vote on the pact

will vote on the pact .

The U.A.W. had been discussing creating a health care collective covering workers at all three companies for the purpose of saving money on the costs of medical care and prescription drugs. “The cooperative arrangement is embedded in the spirit of this agreement, and I really hope it gets implemented,” Mr. Marchionne said. Mr. Williams said he would present the tentative agreement on Wednesday to union officials from Fiat Chrysler facilities across the country. After that takes place, union members <hl> will vote on the pact . <hl> He said the vote would probably take place next week.

The U.A.W. had been discussing creating a health care collective covering workers at all three companies for the purpose of saving money on the costs of medical care and prescription drugs. “The cooperative arrangement is embedded in the spirit of this agreement, and I really hope it gets implemented,” Mr. Marchionne said. Mr. Williams said he would present the tentative agreement on Wednesday to union officials from Fiat Chrysler facilities across the country. After that takes place, union members will <hl> vote on the pact <hl>. He said the vote would probably take place next week.


Question: Who from SGS commented on the incident?

Color Play Asia said on its Facebook page that its products were in line with standards set by SGS, which is a Geneva-based testing, inspection and verification company. No one from SGS was immediately available to comment on whether Color Play Asia’s products had received certification and whether that process also included tests for flammability. On Sunday, Color Play Asia’s Facebook page was filled with comments expressing outrage that the event could have so quickly turned into an inferno. “The organizers just know about money, they don’t know about the dangers,” wrote someone going by the name of Kalin Chang. “I hope you give a reasonable explanation to all the families who have been hurt by this,” another person said.

Answer: No one

Color Play Asia said on its Facebook page that its products were in line with standards set by SGS, which is a Geneva-based testing, inspection and verification company. <hl> No one from SGS was immediately available to comment on whether Color Play Asia’s products had received certification and whether that process also included tests for flammability. <hl> On Sunday, Color Play Asia’s Facebook page was filled with comments expressing outrage that the event could have so quickly turned into an inferno. “The organizers just know about money, they don’t know about the dangers,” wrote someone going by the name of Kalin Chang. “I hope you give a reasonable explanation to all the families who have been hurt by this,” another person said.

Color Play Asia said on its Facebook page that its products were in line with standards set by SGS, which is a Geneva-based testing, inspection and verification company. <hl> No one <hl> from SGS was immediately available to comment on whether Color Play Asia’s products had received certification and whether that process also included tests for flammability. On Sunday, Color Play Asia’s Facebook page was filled with comments expressing outrage that the event could have so quickly turned into an inferno. “The organizers just know about money, they don’t know about the dangers,” wrote someone going by the name of Kalin Chang. “I hope you give a reasonable explanation to all the families who have been hurt by this,” another person said.


Question: Who did Ernest Hemingway believe the Nobel prize should have been awarded to?

Ms. Dow said she was struck by Welles’s account of a wine-soaked session with Ernest Hemingway, who had just won the Nobel Prize for literature. “It should have gone to Isak Dinesen,” Hemingway said, according to Ms. Dow’s description of Welles’s remembrance. Ms. Dow said it would take perhaps five months to arrange the papers for public use. In early June, Ms. Kodar is expected to attend a university-sponsored Welles symposium that will honor donors to the film archive. It promises to be an unusual affair, one that Welles may have appreciated. One presentation, Mr. Hallman said, will feature music composed for an ensemble that plays toy instruments. Ms. Kodar, he added, may have something else up her sleeve. “She has asked us to tell people she’s planning to do magic tricks with the audience,” Mr. Hallman said.

Answer: Isak Dinesen

Ms. Dow said she was struck by Welles’s account of a wine-soaked session with Ernest Hemingway, who had just won the Nobel Prize for literature. <hl> “It should have gone to Isak Dinesen ,” Hemingway said, according to Ms. Dow’s description of Welles’s remembrance. <hl> Ms. Dow said it would take perhaps five months to arrange the papers for public use. In early June, Ms. Kodar is expected to attend a university-sponsored Welles symposium that will honor donors to the film archive. It promises to be an unusual affair, one that Welles may have appreciated. One presentation, Mr. Hallman said, will feature music composed for an ensemble that plays toy instruments. Ms. Kodar, he added, may have something else up her sleeve. “She has asked us to tell people she’s planning to do magic tricks with the audience,” Mr. Hallman said.

Ms. Dow said she was struck by Welles’s account of a wine-soaked session with Ernest Hemingway, who had just won the Nobel Prize for literature. “It should have gone to <hl> Isak Dinesen <hl>,” Hemingway said, according to Ms. Dow’s description of Welles’s remembrance. Ms. Dow said it would take perhaps five months to arrange the papers for public use. In early June, Ms. Kodar is expected to attend a university-sponsored Welles symposium that will honor donors to the film archive. It promises to be an unusual affair, one that Welles may have appreciated. One presentation, Mr. Hallman said, will feature music composed for an ensemble that plays toy instruments. Ms. Kodar, he added, may have something else up her sleeve. “She has asked us to tell people she’s planning to do magic tricks with the audience,” Mr. Hallman said.

“It should have gone to <hl> Isak Dinesen <hl> ,” Hemingway said, according to Ms. Dow’s description of Welles’s remembrance.


Question: What day of the week did the New York Times DealBook conference take place?

In an informal poll of the audience at The New York Times DealBook conference at the Whitney Museum on Tuesday, more than half of the respondents said Wall Street banks were no more or less trustworthy than they were in 2008, when the financial crisis erupted, sending the global financial markets in to a tailspin. There remains an illusion — on Wall Street and beyond — that only a small pool of talent is capable of working on Wall Street, said James P. Gorman, Morgan Stanley’s chairman and chief executive, who spoke in the morning at the conference about the future of finance.

Answer: Tuesday

<hl> In an informal poll of the audience at The New York Times DealBook conference at the Whitney Museum on Tuesday , more than half of the respondents said Wall Street banks were no more or less trustworthy than they were in 2008, when the financial crisis erupted, sending the global financial markets in to a tailspin. <hl> There remains an illusion — on Wall Street and beyond — that only a small pool of talent is capable of working on Wall Street, said James P. Gorman, Morgan Stanley’s chairman and chief executive, who spoke in the morning at the conference about the future of finance.

In an informal poll of the audience at The New York Times DealBook conference at the Whitney Museum on <hl> Tuesday <hl>, more than half of the respondents said Wall Street banks were no more or less trustworthy than they were in 2008, when the financial crisis erupted, sending the global financial markets in to a tailspin. There remains an illusion — on Wall Street and beyond — that only a small pool of talent is capable of working on Wall Street, said James P. Gorman, Morgan Stanley’s chairman and chief executive, who spoke in the morning at the conference about the future of finance.

In an informal poll of the audience at The New York Times DealBook conference at the Whitney Museum on <hl> Tuesday <hl> , more than half of the respondents said Wall Street banks were no more or less trustworthy than they were in 2008, when the financial crisis erupted, sending the global financial markets in to a tailspin.


Question: Who does David Cole work for?

Cathy Clegg, the General Motors vice president for North American manufacturing and labor relations, said in a statement about the agreement, “Working with our U.A.W. partners, we developed constructive solutions that benefit employees and provide flexibility for the company to respond to the needs of the marketplace.” David Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research, an industry group in Ann Arbor, Mich., said workers should not expect too much, given the industry’s cyclical nature.

Answer: Center for Automotive Research

Cathy Clegg, the General Motors vice president for North American manufacturing and labor relations, said in a statement about the agreement, “Working with our U.A.W. partners, we developed constructive solutions that benefit employees and provide flexibility for the company to respond to the needs of the marketplace.” <hl> David Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research , an industry group in Ann Arbor, Mich., said workers should not expect too much, given the industry’s cyclical nature. <hl>

Cathy Clegg, the General Motors vice president for North American manufacturing and labor relations, said in a statement about the agreement, “Working with our U.A.W. partners, we developed constructive solutions that benefit employees and provide flexibility for the company to respond to the needs of the marketplace.” David Cole, chairman emeritus of the <hl> Center for Automotive Research <hl>, an industry group in Ann Arbor, Mich., said workers should not expect too much, given the industry’s cyclical nature.

David Cole, chairman emeritus of the <hl> Center for Automotive Research <hl> , an industry group in Ann Arbor, Mich., said workers should not expect too much, given the industry’s cyclical nature.


Question: Who mentored Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts?

Mr. Kohlberg rose through the ranks of the investment bank Bear Stearns, where he started working in 1955. But he and two younger men whom he had mentored, Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts, eventually left in 1976 to form a new investment firm bearing their names. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company became a major force that set the tone for the buyout industry, particularly after it took over the tobacco and food conglomerate R.J.R. Nabisco — the deal made famous in the book “Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco,” by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, although Mr. Kohlberg left the firm a year before the deal was completed.

Answer: Mr. Kohlberg

<hl> Mr. Kohlberg rose through the ranks of the investment bank Bear Stearns, where he started working in 1955. <hl> But he and two younger men whom he had mentored, Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts, eventually left in 1976 to form a new investment firm bearing their names. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company became a major force that set the tone for the buyout industry, particularly after it took over the tobacco and food conglomerate R.J.R. Nabisco — the deal made famous in the book “Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco,” by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, although Mr. Kohlberg left the firm a year before the deal was completed.

<hl> Mr. Kohlberg <hl> rose through the ranks of the investment bank Bear Stearns, where he started working in 1955. But he and two younger men whom he had mentored, Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts, eventually left in 1976 to form a new investment firm bearing their names. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company became a major force that set the tone for the buyout industry, particularly after it took over the tobacco and food conglomerate R.J.R. Nabisco — the deal made famous in the book “Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco,” by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, although Mr. Kohlberg left the firm a year before the deal was completed.


Question: What government ask the US for help?

From the earliest days of the war, the government in Kiev had asked for military help from the United States. Its request for a sophisticated antitank missile went nowhere, as Washington feared it would just encourage Russia to send more weapons and men to Ukraine. What eventually arrived was basic training.

Answer: Kiev

<hl> From the earliest days of the war, the government in Kiev had asked for military help from the United States. <hl> Its request for a sophisticated antitank missile went nowhere, as Washington feared it would just encourage Russia to send more weapons and men to Ukraine. What eventually arrived was basic training.

From the earliest days of the war, the government in <hl> Kiev <hl> had asked for military help from the United States. Its request for a sophisticated antitank missile went nowhere, as Washington feared it would just encourage Russia to send more weapons and men to Ukraine. What eventually arrived was basic training.


Question: What does the double taxation treaty do?

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

Answer: allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. <hl> Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places . <hl> Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, <hl> allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places <hl>. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, <hl> allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places <hl> .


Question: How many minority dancers have graduated since 2008/2009?

That seemingly small step led to an increased turnout for the school’s free community auditions, which has dramatically shifted the minority presence in the children division. “It’s gone Technicolor fast,” said Silas Farley, a 21-year-old member of City Ballet whose mother is black and father is white. (He refers to himself as “a cultural gumbo.”) Peter Martins, the ballet master in chief of City Ballet as well as the artistic director and chairman of faculty at the School of American Ballet, says that substantial change may take time, but it will happen. “We are not a white company,” he said. “We don’t seek to be a black company. We don’t seek to be half and half. I just want to be American.” While it’s still too soon to tell if the children discovered through recent community auditions will make it into City Ballet, since 2008-9, the school has graduated 36 minority dancers who have gone on to join professional companies. Eleven of those joined City Ballet. India Bradley, a 17-year-old advanced student at the school said her ambition — obsession really — is to become one of them. “More than anything in life,” she said. “I have actual dreams.” Ms. Bradley, a Detroit native, found her way to the School of American Ballet through the Dance Theater of Harlem. One of her teachers, Andrea Long-Naidu — a former City Ballet dancer — encouraged her to audition for the school.

Answer: 36

That seemingly small step led to an increased turnout for the school’s free community auditions, which has dramatically shifted the minority presence in the children division. “It’s gone Technicolor fast,” said Silas Farley, a 21-year-old member of City Ballet whose mother is black and father is white. (He refers to himself as “a cultural gumbo.”) Peter Martins, the ballet master in chief of City Ballet as well as the artistic director and chairman of faculty at the School of American Ballet, says that substantial change may take time, but it will happen. “We are not a white company,” he said. “We don’t seek to be a black company. We don’t seek to be half and half. I just want to be American.” <hl> While it’s still too soon to tell if the children discovered through recent community auditions will make it into City Ballet, since 2008-9, the school has graduated 36 minority dancers who have gone on to join professional companies. <hl> Eleven of those joined City Ballet. India Bradley, a 17-year-old advanced student at the school said her ambition — obsession really — is to become one of them. “More than anything in life,” she said. “I have actual dreams.” Ms. Bradley, a Detroit native, found her way to the School of American Ballet through the Dance Theater of Harlem. One of her teachers, Andrea Long-Naidu — a former City Ballet dancer — encouraged her to audition for the school.

That seemingly small step led to an increased turnout for the school’s free community auditions, which has dramatically shifted the minority presence in the children division. “It’s gone Technicolor fast,” said Silas Farley, a 21-year-old member of City Ballet whose mother is black and father is white. (He refers to himself as “a cultural gumbo.”) Peter Martins, the ballet master in chief of City Ballet as well as the artistic director and chairman of faculty at the School of American Ballet, says that substantial change may take time, but it will happen. “We are not a white company,” he said. “We don’t seek to be a black company. We don’t seek to be half and half. I just want to be American.” While it’s still too soon to tell if the children discovered through recent community auditions will make it into City Ballet, since 2008-9, the school has graduated <hl> 36 <hl> minority dancers who have gone on to join professional companies. Eleven of those joined City Ballet. India Bradley, a 17-year-old advanced student at the school said her ambition — obsession really — is to become one of them. “More than anything in life,” she said. “I have actual dreams.” Ms. Bradley, a Detroit native, found her way to the School of American Ballet through the Dance Theater of Harlem. One of her teachers, Andrea Long-Naidu — a former City Ballet dancer — encouraged her to audition for the school.


Question: How many languages is "Secret Garden" available in?

Not that it matters. Ms. Basford’s coloring book “Secret Garden,” a 96-page collection of elaborate black-and-white ink drawings of flowers, leaves, trees and birds, has become a global best-seller. Since its release in spring 2013, “Secret Garden” has sold more than 1.4 million copies in 22 languages. It shot to the top of Amazon’s best-seller list this month, overtaking books by authors like Harper Lee, Anthony Doerr and Paula Hawkins. Her follow-up, “Enchanted Forest,” which came out in February, is briskly selling through its first print run of nearly 226,000 copies.

Answer: 22 languages

Not that it matters. Ms. Basford’s coloring book “Secret Garden,” a 96-page collection of elaborate black-and-white ink drawings of flowers, leaves, trees and birds, has become a global best-seller. <hl> Since its release in spring 2013, “Secret Garden” has sold more than 1.4 million copies in 22 languages . <hl> It shot to the top of Amazon’s best-seller list this month, overtaking books by authors like Harper Lee, Anthony Doerr and Paula Hawkins. Her follow-up, “Enchanted Forest,” which came out in February, is briskly selling through its first print run of nearly 226,000 copies.

Not that it matters. Ms. Basford’s coloring book “Secret Garden,” a 96-page collection of elaborate black-and-white ink drawings of flowers, leaves, trees and birds, has become a global best-seller. Since its release in spring 2013, “Secret Garden” has sold more than 1.4 million copies in <hl> 22 languages <hl>. It shot to the top of Amazon’s best-seller list this month, overtaking books by authors like Harper Lee, Anthony Doerr and Paula Hawkins. Her follow-up, “Enchanted Forest,” which came out in February, is briskly selling through its first print run of nearly 226,000 copies.

Since its release in spring 2013, “Secret Garden” has sold more than 1.4 million copies in <hl> 22 languages <hl> .


Question: How much Money did the company earn?

Propelled by these robust asset flows, the company earned $822 million, or $4.84 a share, up 9 percent from the quarter a year ago. As has been the case in recent years, the fund giant’s booming exchange traded fund business has driven this growth. E.T.F.s are investment funds that trade like stocks and are linked to a wide variety of stock and bond indexes. Sophisticated investors have come to rely on the funds because they provide liquidity in areas of the market that traditionally have been hard to trade, like emerging markets and leveraged loans. Unlike other fund companies, BlackRock does not have any leveraged loan E.T.F.s.

Answer: $822 million

<hl> Propelled by these robust asset flows, the company earned $822 million , or $4.84 a share, up 9 percent from the quarter a year ago. <hl> As has been the case in recent years, the fund giant’s booming exchange traded fund business has driven this growth. E.T.F.s are investment funds that trade like stocks and are linked to a wide variety of stock and bond indexes. Sophisticated investors have come to rely on the funds because they provide liquidity in areas of the market that traditionally have been hard to trade, like emerging markets and leveraged loans. Unlike other fund companies, BlackRock does not have any leveraged loan E.T.F.s.

Propelled by these robust asset flows, the company earned <hl> $822 million <hl>, or $4.84 a share, up 9 percent from the quarter a year ago. As has been the case in recent years, the fund giant’s booming exchange traded fund business has driven this growth. E.T.F.s are investment funds that trade like stocks and are linked to a wide variety of stock and bond indexes. Sophisticated investors have come to rely on the funds because they provide liquidity in areas of the market that traditionally have been hard to trade, like emerging markets and leveraged loans. Unlike other fund companies, BlackRock does not have any leveraged loan E.T.F.s.

Propelled by these robust asset flows, the company earned <hl> $822 million <hl> , or $4.84 a share, up 9 percent from the quarter a year ago.


Question: What did a group of retired military officers say would be threatened as they argued in front of the supreme court in 2003?

WASHINGTON —  The most influential friend-of-the-court brief in living memory was filed by a group of retired military officers in a 2003 affirmative action case. When the case was argued, the justices echoed the brief’s argument that military preparedness would be threatened if service academies could not ensure a diverse officer corps. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s majority opinion, allowing race-conscious admissions at public universities, quoted at length from the brief. The law firm that filed the brief, now called Sidley Austin, has filed a new one by former military officials in the same-sex marriage cases to be heard next week. Their message this time is that the patchwork of marriage laws around the country hurts military families and threatens national security.

Answer: military preparedness

WASHINGTON — The most influential friend-of-the-court brief in living memory was filed by a group of retired military officers in a 2003 affirmative action case. When the case was argued, the justices echoed the brief’s argument <hl> that military preparedness would be threatened if service academies could not ensure a diverse officer corps. <hl> Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s majority opinion, allowing race-conscious admissions at public universities, quoted at length from the brief. The law firm that filed the brief, now called Sidley Austin, has filed a new one by former military officials in the same-sex marriage cases to be heard next week. Their message this time is that the patchwork of marriage laws around the country hurts military families and threatens national security.

WASHINGTON — The most influential friend-of-the-court brief in living memory was filed by a group of retired military officers in a 2003 affirmative action case. When the case was argued, the justices echoed the brief’s argument that <hl> military preparedness <hl> would be threatened if service academies could not ensure a diverse officer corps. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s majority opinion, allowing race-conscious admissions at public universities, quoted at length from the brief. The law firm that filed the brief, now called Sidley Austin, has filed a new one by former military officials in the same-sex marriage cases to be heard next week. Their message this time is that the patchwork of marriage laws around the country hurts military families and threatens national security.


Question: Who faces an increased burden to sustain social programs?

But there is not a consensus about the impact of demographics. Some see a natural maturing of developed societies. Others see disaster ahead, because with fewer workers and more retirees, the active work force faces an increased burden to sustain social programs. Productivity gains over time, though, can make up for such population stresses. Declining birthrates can also lead to labor shortages, and Germany has faced a gap in skilled labor. But that is hardly an issue now for much of Europe, which is mired in high unemployment.

Answer: active work force

But there is not a consensus about the impact of demographics. Some see a natural maturing of developed societies. <hl> Others see disaster ahead, because with fewer workers and more retirees, the active work force faces an increased burden to sustain social programs. <hl> Productivity gains over time, though, can make up for such population stresses. Declining birthrates can also lead to labor shortages, and Germany has faced a gap in skilled labor. But that is hardly an issue now for much of Europe, which is mired in high unemployment.

But there is not a consensus about the impact of demographics. Some see a natural maturing of developed societies. Others see disaster ahead, because with fewer workers and more retirees, the <hl> active work force <hl> faces an increased burden to sustain social programs. Productivity gains over time, though, can make up for such population stresses. Declining birthrates can also lead to labor shortages, and Germany has faced a gap in skilled labor. But that is hardly an issue now for much of Europe, which is mired in high unemployment.


Question: What position does Rashad Jennings play?

Players said Coughlin played a significant role this week in keeping despair out of the locker room. “He’s the same man every single day,” running back Rashad Jennings said. “Never budges, stays the course.” Eli Manning disagreed with the part about Coughlin always being on an even keel — “Sometimes he can get a little animated, and he’ll get fired up” — but he said the larger point was that Coughlin had seen enough slow starts to drive his teams through the darkness. “He challenged the team — that’s what great coaches do,” Manning said, adding, “You’ve got to find a way to push the guys without getting them down.”

Answer: running back

Players said Coughlin played a significant role this week in keeping despair out of the locker room. <hl> “He’s the same man every single day,” running back Rashad Jennings said. <hl> “Never budges, stays the course.” Eli Manning disagreed with the part about Coughlin always being on an even keel — “Sometimes he can get a little animated, and he’ll get fired up” — but he said the larger point was that Coughlin had seen enough slow starts to drive his teams through the darkness. “He challenged the team — that’s what great coaches do,” Manning said, adding, “You’ve got to find a way to push the guys without getting them down.”

Players said Coughlin played a significant role this week in keeping despair out of the locker room. “He’s the same man every single day,” <hl> running back <hl> Rashad Jennings said. “Never budges, stays the course.” Eli Manning disagreed with the part about Coughlin always being on an even keel — “Sometimes he can get a little animated, and he’ll get fired up” — but he said the larger point was that Coughlin had seen enough slow starts to drive his teams through the darkness. “He challenged the team — that’s what great coaches do,” Manning said, adding, “You’ve got to find a way to push the guys without getting them down.”


Question: What campaign did Ms. Upi give a testimonial for?

In a testimonial for “Chain of Confidence,” Ms. Upi said that when she started out as a Tupperware saleswoman, she had to deliver products to customers using public transportation minivans. But within two years, she says, she was earning enough that she bought a new car and a house. “I became more confident, knowledgeable and disciplined,” she said. Ms. Amelia, the saleswoman at the Villa Mutiara party, had a similar tale. Six years ago, she was trying to keep afloat a restaurant that she ran in South Jakarta with her husband. Then she was invited to a Tupperware party that she said changed her life.

Answer: Chain of Confidence

<hl> In a testimonial for “ Chain of Confidence ,” Ms. Upi said that when she started out as a Tupperware saleswoman, she had to deliver products to customers using public transportation minivans. <hl> But within two years, she says, she was earning enough that she bought a new car and a house. “I became more confident, knowledgeable and disciplined,” she said. Ms. Amelia, the saleswoman at the Villa Mutiara party, had a similar tale. Six years ago, she was trying to keep afloat a restaurant that she ran in South Jakarta with her husband. Then she was invited to a Tupperware party that she said changed her life.

In a testimonial for “<hl> Chain of Confidence <hl>,” Ms. Upi said that when she started out as a Tupperware saleswoman, she had to deliver products to customers using public transportation minivans. But within two years, she says, she was earning enough that she bought a new car and a house. “I became more confident, knowledgeable and disciplined,” she said. Ms. Amelia, the saleswoman at the Villa Mutiara party, had a similar tale. Six years ago, she was trying to keep afloat a restaurant that she ran in South Jakarta with her husband. Then she was invited to a Tupperware party that she said changed her life.

In a testimonial for “ <hl> Chain of Confidence <hl> ,” Ms. Upi said that when she started out as a Tupperware saleswoman, she had to deliver products to customers using public transportation minivans.


Question: How much did the group oppose the deal?

Answer: strongly

<hl> He emerged saying the group “is united in strongly opposing the proposed deal,” contending it “would pose a grave danger to the region and to the world, and would threaten the very survival of the state of Israel.” <hl>

He emerged saying the group “is united in <hl> strongly <hl> opposing the proposed deal,” contending it “would pose a grave danger to the region and to the world, and would threaten the very survival of the state of Israel.”


Question: Which meeting did Putin fly home early from?

The applause, of course, is the short-term reason Mr. Putin is coming to the United Nations for the first time in a decade. Because of the Ukraine crisis, he was thrown out of the G-8 countries of leading economic powers, and felt so snubbed at the last G-20 meeting in Australia that he flew home early.

Answer: the last G-20 meeting

The applause, of course, is the short-term reason Mr. Putin is coming to the United Nations for the first time in a decade. <hl> Because of the Ukraine crisis, he was thrown out of the G-8 countries of leading economic powers, and felt so snubbed at the last G-20 meeting in Australia that he flew home early. <hl>

The applause, of course, is the short-term reason Mr. Putin is coming to the United Nations for the first time in a decade. Because of the Ukraine crisis, he was thrown out of the G-8 countries of leading economic powers, and felt so snubbed at <hl> the last G-20 meeting <hl> in Australia that he flew home early.


Question: Who is an Afghan writer and journalist?

The Afghan government side included a diverse array of representatives, among them former members of the Taliban who have reconciled with the government; Tajik, Pashtun and Uzbek leaders; and President Ashraf Ghani’s uncle, Abdul Qayoum Kochai, according to Nazar Mohammad Mutmaeen. Mr. Mutmaeen is an Afghan writer and journalist who previously served as an official in the Taliban government but now lives in Kabul openly. He is known to have good contacts among Taliban officials in Qatar and elsewhere. Mr. Mutmaeen said that the Taliban had agreed on the list of those attending the Pugwash Conference, but overruled some, such as the High Peace Council’s secretary general, Masoom Stanikzai, if they seemed too obviously representative of the government. It also insisted that members of the government delegation come as individuals in personal capacities. Mr. Mutmaeen said that at least two and possibly three women were among the government delegation. Afghan women’s groups have long complained that they had been bypassed in previous attempts to open talks with the Taliban, and noted that they would have the most to lose if repressive Taliban-era restrictions on women’s public roles were to return.

Answer: Nazar Mohammad Mutmaeen

<hl> The Afghan government side included a diverse array of representatives, among them former members of the Taliban who have reconciled with the government; Tajik, Pashtun and Uzbek leaders; and President Ashraf Ghani’s uncle, Abdul Qayoum Kochai, according to Nazar Mohammad Mutmaeen . <hl> Mr. Mutmaeen is an Afghan writer and journalist who previously served as an official in the Taliban government but now lives in Kabul openly. He is known to have good contacts among Taliban officials in Qatar and elsewhere. Mr. Mutmaeen said that the Taliban had agreed on the list of those attending the Pugwash Conference, but overruled some, such as the High Peace Council’s secretary general, Masoom Stanikzai, if they seemed too obviously representative of the government. It also insisted that members of the government delegation come as individuals in personal capacities. Mr. Mutmaeen said that at least two and possibly three women were among the government delegation. Afghan women’s groups have long complained that they had been bypassed in previous attempts to open talks with the Taliban, and noted that they would have the most to lose if repressive Taliban-era restrictions on women’s public roles were to return.

The Afghan government side included a diverse array of representatives, among them former members of the Taliban who have reconciled with the government; Tajik, Pashtun and Uzbek leaders; and President Ashraf Ghani’s uncle, Abdul Qayoum Kochai, according to <hl> Nazar Mohammad Mutmaeen <hl>. Mr. Mutmaeen is an Afghan writer and journalist who previously served as an official in the Taliban government but now lives in Kabul openly. He is known to have good contacts among Taliban officials in Qatar and elsewhere. Mr. Mutmaeen said that the Taliban had agreed on the list of those attending the Pugwash Conference, but overruled some, such as the High Peace Council’s secretary general, Masoom Stanikzai, if they seemed too obviously representative of the government. It also insisted that members of the government delegation come as individuals in personal capacities. Mr. Mutmaeen said that at least two and possibly three women were among the government delegation. Afghan women’s groups have long complained that they had been bypassed in previous attempts to open talks with the Taliban, and noted that they would have the most to lose if repressive Taliban-era restrictions on women’s public roles were to return.

The Afghan government side included a diverse array of representatives, among them former members of the Taliban who have reconciled with the government; Tajik, Pashtun and Uzbek leaders; and President Ashraf Ghani’s uncle, Abdul Qayoum Kochai, according to <hl> Nazar Mohammad Mutmaeen <hl> .


Question: Would the author become a better or worse Muslim by condemning more?

Whenever I hear someone say Islam is a religion of peace I want to yell at them and say, “Hey, look behind you.” It’s an impossible job, explaining Islam, whether you’re an observing Muslim (no alcohol, no bacon, no jihad) or an accidental Muslim (a bit of everything, and surely no jihad) or somewhere in between. But if we can’t do the explaining, we’re told, the least we can do is some condemning. Muslims don’t condemn enough, apparently. Yet if as a good Muslim I started to condemn everything bad that is done by Muslims, I wouldn’t have any time left to say my five daily prayers, let alone make macaroni and cheese for my kids or take them to the park. And I’d become a worse kind of Muslim.

Answer: I’d become a worse kind of Muslim

And I’d become a worse kind of Muslim .

Whenever I hear someone say Islam is a religion of peace I want to yell at them and say, “Hey, look behind you.” It’s an impossible job, explaining Islam, whether you’re an observing Muslim (no alcohol, no bacon, no jihad) or an accidental Muslim (a bit of everything, and surely no jihad) or somewhere in between. But if we can’t do the explaining, we’re told, the least we can do is some condemning. Muslims don’t condemn enough, apparently. Yet if as a good Muslim I started to condemn everything bad that is done by Muslims, I wouldn’t have any time left to say my five daily prayers, let alone make macaroni and cheese for my kids or take them to the park. <hl> And I’d become a worse kind of Muslim . <hl>

Whenever I hear someone say Islam is a religion of peace I want to yell at them and say, “Hey, look behind you.” It’s an impossible job, explaining Islam, whether you’re an observing Muslim (no alcohol, no bacon, no jihad) or an accidental Muslim (a bit of everything, and surely no jihad) or somewhere in between. But if we can’t do the explaining, we’re told, the least we can do is some condemning. Muslims don’t condemn enough, apparently. Yet if as a good Muslim I started to condemn everything bad that is done by Muslims, I wouldn’t have any time left to say my five daily prayers, let alone make macaroni and cheese for my kids or take them to the park. And <hl> I’d become a worse kind of Muslim <hl>.

And <hl> I’d become a worse kind of Muslim <hl> .


Question: Who was one of the founders of the Podesta Group?

But American officials helped the Afghans choreograph some of the more poignant touches, such as inviting the widow of an American general killed in Kabul last year by an Afghan soldier to a speech Mr. Ghani delivered on Monday at the Pentagon, allowing the Afghan leader to thank her publicly for her family’s sacrifice. There was also behind-the-scenes lobbying, and not all of it came for free. Shortly after taking office in September, Mr. Ghani’s government hired the Podesta Group for $50,000 a month to lobby on behalf of Afghanistan and help with public relations, according to filings with the Justice Department. One of the founders of the firm is John D. Podesta, who served as counselor to Mr. Obama and represented the administration at Mr. Ghani’s inauguration. Mr. Podesta is no longer involved with the firm. Mr. Podesta, in fact, was one of the 14 dinner guests on Tuesday to whom Mr. Ghani referred by name in his remarks. As a result of the groundwork laid by many of those guests, the Obama administration was largely in sync with Mr. Ghani even before this week’s visit.

Answer: John D. Podesta

But American officials helped the Afghans choreograph some of the more poignant touches, such as inviting the widow of an American general killed in Kabul last year by an Afghan soldier to a speech Mr. Ghani delivered on Monday at the Pentagon, allowing the Afghan leader to thank her publicly for her family’s sacrifice. There was also behind-the-scenes lobbying, and not all of it came for free. Shortly after taking office in September, Mr. Ghani’s government hired the Podesta Group for $50,000 a month to lobby on behalf of Afghanistan and help with public relations, according to filings with the Justice Department. <hl> One of the founders of the firm is John D. Podesta , who served as counselor to Mr. Obama and represented the administration at Mr. Ghani’s inauguration. <hl> Mr. Podesta is no longer involved with the firm. Mr. Podesta, in fact, was one of the 14 dinner guests on Tuesday to whom Mr. Ghani referred by name in his remarks. As a result of the groundwork laid by many of those guests, the Obama administration was largely in sync with Mr. Ghani even before this week’s visit.

But American officials helped the Afghans choreograph some of the more poignant touches, such as inviting the widow of an American general killed in Kabul last year by an Afghan soldier to a speech Mr. Ghani delivered on Monday at the Pentagon, allowing the Afghan leader to thank her publicly for her family’s sacrifice. There was also behind-the-scenes lobbying, and not all of it came for free. Shortly after taking office in September, Mr. Ghani’s government hired the Podesta Group for $50,000 a month to lobby on behalf of Afghanistan and help with public relations, according to filings with the Justice Department. One of the founders of the firm is <hl> John D. Podesta <hl>, who served as counselor to Mr. Obama and represented the administration at Mr. Ghani’s inauguration. Mr. Podesta is no longer involved with the firm. Mr. Podesta, in fact, was one of the 14 dinner guests on Tuesday to whom Mr. Ghani referred by name in his remarks. As a result of the groundwork laid by many of those guests, the Obama administration was largely in sync with Mr. Ghani even before this week’s visit.

One of the founders of the firm is <hl> John D. Podesta <hl> , who served as counselor to Mr. Obama and represented the administration at Mr. Ghani’s inauguration.


Question: On what date was this 8.5% drop?

Despite the moves, the markets have been shaky. On July 27, stocks in Shanghai dropped 8.5 percent, which was the market’s biggest daily drop in eight years.

Answer: July 27

Despite the moves, the markets have been shaky. <hl> On July 27 , stocks in Shanghai dropped 8.5 percent, which was the market’s biggest daily drop in eight years. <hl>

Despite the moves, the markets have been shaky. On <hl> July 27 <hl>, stocks in Shanghai dropped 8.5 percent, which was the market’s biggest daily drop in eight years.

On <hl> July 27 <hl> , stocks in Shanghai dropped 8.5 percent, which was the market’s biggest daily drop in eight years.


Question: What company was Freescale a part of?

Both companies were previously parts of bigger corporations: NXP was formerly a division of Philips, while Freescale was a division of Motorola. Both were also owned by groups of private equity firms and returned to the public markets in rocky initial public offerings. Representatives for NXP and Freescale were not immediately available for comment. News of the discussions was reported earlier by Reuters.

Answer: Motorola

<hl> Both companies were previously parts of bigger corporations: NXP was formerly a division of Philips, while Freescale was a division of Motorola . <hl> Both were also owned by groups of private equity firms and returned to the public markets in rocky initial public offerings. Representatives for NXP and Freescale were not immediately available for comment. News of the discussions was reported earlier by Reuters.

Both companies were previously parts of bigger corporations: NXP was formerly a division of Philips, while Freescale was a division of <hl> Motorola <hl>. Both were also owned by groups of private equity firms and returned to the public markets in rocky initial public offerings. Representatives for NXP and Freescale were not immediately available for comment. News of the discussions was reported earlier by Reuters.

Both companies were previously parts of bigger corporations: NXP was formerly a division of Philips, while Freescale was a division of <hl> Motorola <hl> .


Question: What are the countries of Muslims who face racial slurs?

KARACHI, Pakistan — I worry about Muslims. Islam teaches me to care about all human beings, and animals too, but life is short and I can’t even find enough time to worry about all the Muslims. I don’t worry too much about the Muslims who face racial slurs in Europe and America, the ones who are suspected of harboring murderous thoughts at their workplaces or those who are picked out of immigration queues and asked awkward questions about their luggage and their ancestors. I tell myself that at the end of their humiliating journeys they can expect privileges like running water, electricity and tainted promises of equality.

Answer: Europe and America

KARACHI, Pakistan — I worry about Muslims. Islam teaches me to care about all human beings, and animals too, but life is short and I can’t even find enough time to worry about all the Muslims. <hl> I don’t worry too much about the Muslims who face racial slurs in Europe and America , the ones who are suspected of harboring murderous thoughts at their workplaces or those who are picked out of immigration queues and asked awkward questions about their luggage and their ancestors. <hl> I tell myself that at the end of their humiliating journeys they can expect privileges like running water, electricity and tainted promises of equality.

KARACHI, Pakistan — I worry about Muslims. Islam teaches me to care about all human beings, and animals too, but life is short and I can’t even find enough time to worry about all the Muslims. I don’t worry too much about the Muslims who face racial slurs in <hl> Europe and America <hl>, the ones who are suspected of harboring murderous thoughts at their workplaces or those who are picked out of immigration queues and asked awkward questions about their luggage and their ancestors. I tell myself that at the end of their humiliating journeys they can expect privileges like running water, electricity and tainted promises of equality.

I don’t worry too much about the Muslims who face racial slurs in <hl> Europe and America <hl> , the ones who are suspected of harboring murderous thoughts at their workplaces or those who are picked out of immigration queues and asked awkward questions about their luggage and their ancestors.


Question: What was the reaction of people as they came to Zaro's one last time?

Several people had tears in their eyes as they wondered what they would do without people who knew their order before they opened their mouths. “I can’t believe we have to leave,” Mr. Moznu said.

Answer: tears in their eyes

<hl> Several people had tears in their eyes as they wondered what they would do without people who knew their order before they opened their mouths. <hl> “I can’t believe we have to leave,” Mr. Moznu said.

Several people had <hl> tears in their eyes <hl> as they wondered what they would do without people who knew their order before they opened their mouths. “I can’t believe we have to leave,” Mr. Moznu said.


Question: Which New England player threw for a score?

Darren Sproles returned a punt 83 yards for the Eagles’ second special-teams touchdown, giving Philadelphia a 21-point lead, but New England came charging back, with Tom Brady throwing for a score and then, after an onside kick, running the ball in from the 1 to cut the gap to 7 points with three minutes left. New England’s second onside kick failed, but the Patriots forced a third-down fumble to give Brady one more chance. The rally fell short when Brady’s passes bounced out of his receivers’ hands. The Patriots are now on a regular-season losing streak for the first time since 2012. 49ERS 26, BEARS 20 Blaine Gabbert ran for a tying touchdown late in regulation and threw a 71-yard scoring pass to Torrey Smith in overtime to push San Francisco past host Chicago.

Answer: Tom Brady

<hl> Darren Sproles returned a punt 83 yards for the Eagles’ second special-teams touchdown, giving Philadelphia a 21-point lead, but New England came charging back, with Tom Brady throwing for a score and then, after an onside kick, running the ball in from the 1 to cut the gap to 7 points with three minutes left. <hl> New England’s second onside kick failed, but the Patriots forced a third-down fumble to give Brady one more chance. The rally fell short when Brady’s passes bounced out of his receivers’ hands. The Patriots are now on a regular-season losing streak for the first time since 2012. 49ERS 26, BEARS 20 Blaine Gabbert ran for a tying touchdown late in regulation and threw a 71-yard scoring pass to Torrey Smith in overtime to push San Francisco past host Chicago.

Darren Sproles returned a punt 83 yards for the Eagles’ second special-teams touchdown, giving Philadelphia a 21-point lead, but New England came charging back, with <hl> Tom Brady <hl> throwing for a score and then, after an onside kick, running the ball in from the 1 to cut the gap to 7 points with three minutes left. New England’s second onside kick failed, but the Patriots forced a third-down fumble to give Brady one more chance. The rally fell short when Brady’s passes bounced out of his receivers’ hands. The Patriots are now on a regular-season losing streak for the first time since 2012. 49ERS 26, BEARS 20 Blaine Gabbert ran for a tying touchdown late in regulation and threw a 71-yard scoring pass to Torrey Smith in overtime to push San Francisco past host Chicago.


Question: How many starters does texas tech that are 6 feet 5?

“But I wanted to play the really, really good teams so we could set ourselves apart from everybody else in the SWAC,” Davis said. “There’s some very good coaches in the SWAC, very good coaches. But unfortunately, financially, the resources are just not there. The talent level, our guards in our league can play with anybody. Anybody.” Texas Southern has one starter taller than 6 feet 5 inches. Arizona, by comparison, has four starters taller than 6-7. But that victory at Michigan State? Arizona Coach Sean Miller saw it on television in December. His players know all about it. Davis revealed his scheduling strategy: Play the toughest games over the holidays in December — which is when Texas Southern beat Michigan State and Kansas State. The student sections are depleted, the crowds more sedate, the opposing players distracted. “Some of them are missing their girlfriends,” Davis said. “They want to go home for Christmas. We come in there, Texas Southern — they’re not really respecting us. They’re shooting around, talking, laughing, not really serious. So that’s a good time to play them. In November, we’re in trouble.”

Answer: Texas Southern has one starter taller than 6 feet 5

“But I wanted to play the really, really good teams so we could set ourselves apart from everybody else in the SWAC,” Davis said. “There’s some very good coaches in the SWAC, very good coaches. But unfortunately, financially, the resources are just not there. The talent level, our guards in our league can play with anybody. <hl> Anybody.” Texas Southern has one starter taller than 6 feet 5 inches. <hl> Arizona, by comparison, has four starters taller than 6-7. But that victory at Michigan State? Arizona Coach Sean Miller saw it on television in December. His players know all about it. Davis revealed his scheduling strategy: Play the toughest games over the holidays in December — which is when Texas Southern beat Michigan State and Kansas State. The student sections are depleted, the crowds more sedate, the opposing players distracted. “Some of them are missing their girlfriends,” Davis said. “They want to go home for Christmas. We come in there, Texas Southern — they’re not really respecting us. They’re shooting around, talking, laughing, not really serious. So that’s a good time to play them. In November, we’re in trouble.”

“But I wanted to play the really, really good teams so we could set ourselves apart from everybody else in the SWAC,” Davis said. “There’s some very good coaches in the SWAC, very good coaches. But unfortunately, financially, the resources are just not there. The talent level, our guards in our league can play with anybody. Anybody.” <hl> Texas Southern has one starter taller than 6 feet 5 <hl> inches. Arizona, by comparison, has four starters taller than 6-7. But that victory at Michigan State? Arizona Coach Sean Miller saw it on television in December. His players know all about it. Davis revealed his scheduling strategy: Play the toughest games over the holidays in December — which is when Texas Southern beat Michigan State and Kansas State. The student sections are depleted, the crowds more sedate, the opposing players distracted. “Some of them are missing their girlfriends,” Davis said. “They want to go home for Christmas. We come in there, Texas Southern — they’re not really respecting us. They’re shooting around, talking, laughing, not really serious. So that’s a good time to play them. In November, we’re in trouble.”


Question: How does the author feel about conflict in the middle east in regards to US intervention?

The war against radical Islamic militancy is not our fight. It is a struggle among Muslims for the soul and the future of the Muslim world. In the end, only Muslims can determine the outcome. Make no mistake: We in the United States and the West have an important national security stake in that outcome. But we should not try to win on our own what only local forces can sustain, particularly when our effort to help only makes their success less likely. The United States has a compelling national interest in providing limited but critical support to Muslim allies who are pursuing their own interests, but must avoid playing into the hands of those who would paint those allies as quislings who serve American interests. In the course of exercising such strategic patience we should remember that the threat posed to us by radical Islam, while real, is not an existential one. The extremists may pose a fundamental danger to the moderate majority in much of the Muslim world; but very few American civilians have fallen victim to Islamic terror since 9/11, and Shariah is unlikely to be imposed in Texas.

Answer: Islamic militancy is not our fight

<hl> The war against radical Islamic militancy is not our fight . <hl> It is a struggle among Muslims for the soul and the future of the Muslim world. In the end, only Muslims can determine the outcome. Make no mistake: We in the United States and the West have an important national security stake in that outcome. But we should not try to win on our own what only local forces can sustain, particularly when our effort to help only makes their success less likely. The United States has a compelling national interest in providing limited but critical support to Muslim allies who are pursuing their own interests, but must avoid playing into the hands of those who would paint those allies as quislings who serve American interests. In the course of exercising such strategic patience we should remember that the threat posed to us by radical Islam, while real, is not an existential one. The extremists may pose a fundamental danger to the moderate majority in much of the Muslim world; but very few American civilians have fallen victim to Islamic terror since 9/11, and Shariah is unlikely to be imposed in Texas.

The war against radical <hl> Islamic militancy is not our fight <hl>. It is a struggle among Muslims for the soul and the future of the Muslim world. In the end, only Muslims can determine the outcome. Make no mistake: We in the United States and the West have an important national security stake in that outcome. But we should not try to win on our own what only local forces can sustain, particularly when our effort to help only makes their success less likely. The United States has a compelling national interest in providing limited but critical support to Muslim allies who are pursuing their own interests, but must avoid playing into the hands of those who would paint those allies as quislings who serve American interests. In the course of exercising such strategic patience we should remember that the threat posed to us by radical Islam, while real, is not an existential one. The extremists may pose a fundamental danger to the moderate majority in much of the Muslim world; but very few American civilians have fallen victim to Islamic terror since 9/11, and Shariah is unlikely to be imposed in Texas.

The war against radical <hl> Islamic militancy is not our fight <hl> .


Question: What does the government plan to remove?

When Hainan Development Bank collapsed in 1998, China’s central bank made sure no depositors incurred losses, by transferring their accounts at full value to the much larger Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. During a bank run last year at a rural lender in the eastern province of Jiangsu, the central bank delivered cash by the truckload and local politicians went on television to reassure people their savings were safe. Now, the government is signaling a willingness to pull away, at least selectively. On April 21, for example, China’s huge domestic bond market experienced its first default  by a state-owned company, and analysts expect more to follow. The banking sector sits at the center of the overhaul effort. For years, China’s banks have paid ordinary savers generally low rates on their deposits and lent those funds to state-run companies, which have been known for making wasteful investments. Allowing market forces to play a bigger role in this process is intended to push banks to more accurately price risk when lending. Deposit insurance is just the first step — and a relatively easy one. The government also plans to remove the caps on interest rates that banks pay on those deposits, which officials have signaled could happen as soon as this year. Combined, these two measures will force Chinese banks to reorient their thinking and take into account market dynamics. Without the implicit backing of the government, banks will have to pay more attention to the creditworthiness of borrowers, rather than simply favoring loans to state-owned enterprises.

Answer: remove the caps on interest rates

When Hainan Development Bank collapsed in 1998, China’s central bank made sure no depositors incurred losses, by transferring their accounts at full value to the much larger Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. During a bank run last year at a rural lender in the eastern province of Jiangsu, the central bank delivered cash by the truckload and local politicians went on television to reassure people their savings were safe. Now, the government is signaling a willingness to pull away, at least selectively. On April 21, for example, China’s huge domestic bond market experienced its first default by a state-owned company, and analysts expect more to follow. The banking sector sits at the center of the overhaul effort. For years, China’s banks have paid ordinary savers generally low rates on their deposits and lent those funds to state-run companies, which have been known for making wasteful investments. Allowing market forces to play a bigger role in this process is intended to push banks to more accurately price risk when lending. Deposit insurance is just the first step — and a relatively easy one. <hl> The government also plans to remove the caps on interest rates that banks pay on those deposits, which officials have signaled could happen as soon as this year. <hl> Combined, these two measures will force Chinese banks to reorient their thinking and take into account market dynamics. Without the implicit backing of the government, banks will have to pay more attention to the creditworthiness of borrowers, rather than simply favoring loans to state-owned enterprises.

When Hainan Development Bank collapsed in 1998, China’s central bank made sure no depositors incurred losses, by transferring their accounts at full value to the much larger Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. During a bank run last year at a rural lender in the eastern province of Jiangsu, the central bank delivered cash by the truckload and local politicians went on television to reassure people their savings were safe. Now, the government is signaling a willingness to pull away, at least selectively. On April 21, for example, China’s huge domestic bond market experienced its first default by a state-owned company, and analysts expect more to follow. The banking sector sits at the center of the overhaul effort. For years, China’s banks have paid ordinary savers generally low rates on their deposits and lent those funds to state-run companies, which have been known for making wasteful investments. Allowing market forces to play a bigger role in this process is intended to push banks to more accurately price risk when lending. Deposit insurance is just the first step — and a relatively easy one. The government also plans to <hl> remove the caps on interest rates <hl> that banks pay on those deposits, which officials have signaled could happen as soon as this year. Combined, these two measures will force Chinese banks to reorient their thinking and take into account market dynamics. Without the implicit backing of the government, banks will have to pay more attention to the creditworthiness of borrowers, rather than simply favoring loans to state-owned enterprises.


Question: Which type of people supported him in Iowa?

“It is a completely different environment than 2008, with different issues and with different candidates,” said Bob Vander Plaats, who was chairman of Mr. Huckabee’s 2008 Iowa campaign and is uncommitted this time. Mr. Huckabee’s upset victory in the Iowa caucuses seven years ago, powered by evangelicals and home-school families, has been burnished to a political legend in the state that holds the first nominating contest. Recent polls show Iowa Republicans still put Mr. Huckabee among their top preferences, although he has been surpassed by more prominent party figures including Scott Walker and Mr. Bush. To an unusual degree, strategists for Mr. Huckabee are counting on his likability — a folksy charm that a national audience got to know during his six years as a Fox News host — to break through the pack of competitors.

Answer: evangelicals and home-school families

“It is a completely different environment than 2008, with different issues and with different candidates,” said Bob Vander Plaats, who was chairman of Mr. Huckabee’s 2008 Iowa campaign and is uncommitted this time. <hl> Mr. Huckabee’s upset victory in the Iowa caucuses seven years ago, powered by evangelicals and home-school families , has been burnished to a political legend in the state that holds the first nominating contest. <hl> Recent polls show Iowa Republicans still put Mr. Huckabee among their top preferences, although he has been surpassed by more prominent party figures including Scott Walker and Mr. Bush. To an unusual degree, strategists for Mr. Huckabee are counting on his likability — a folksy charm that a national audience got to know during his six years as a Fox News host — to break through the pack of competitors.

“It is a completely different environment than 2008, with different issues and with different candidates,” said Bob Vander Plaats, who was chairman of Mr. Huckabee’s 2008 Iowa campaign and is uncommitted this time. Mr. Huckabee’s upset victory in the Iowa caucuses seven years ago, powered by <hl> evangelicals and home-school families <hl>, has been burnished to a political legend in the state that holds the first nominating contest. Recent polls show Iowa Republicans still put Mr. Huckabee among their top preferences, although he has been surpassed by more prominent party figures including Scott Walker and Mr. Bush. To an unusual degree, strategists for Mr. Huckabee are counting on his likability — a folksy charm that a national audience got to know during his six years as a Fox News host — to break through the pack of competitors.

Mr. Huckabee’s upset victory in the Iowa caucuses seven years ago, powered by <hl> evangelicals and home-school families <hl> , has been burnished to a political legend in the state that holds the first nominating contest.


Question: what movies did Christopher Lee appear in?

And the British actor Christopher Lee, who devoted his long career to portraying horror film villains and later appeared in the “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings” series, died at the age of 93. • Egg inflation. The Agriculture Department says the average price of a dozen eggs in the United States will climb to a record this year because of the nation’s worst-ever outbreak of bird flu in poultry. • Scoreboard. LeBron James and the Cavaliers suit up for Game 4 of the N.B.A. finals against the Warriors at 9 p.m. Eastern (ABC). The Blackhawks beat the Lightning, 2-1, to tie up the Stanley Cup finals at two games each on Wednesday. Each game has been decided by one goal. • Chart topper. The British rock group Florence and the Machine’s “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” album opened at the top of the Billboard chart, the band’s first time at No. 1. • No filibusters here. The annual Congressional Baseball Game, which raises funds for charities, is tonight at Nationals Park in Washington. Last year, the Democrats beat the Republicans for a sixth straight year. BACK STORY

Answer: “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings”

<hl> And the British actor Christopher Lee, who devoted his long career to portraying horror film villains and later appeared in the “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings” series, died at the age of 93. <hl> • Egg inflation. The Agriculture Department says the average price of a dozen eggs in the United States will climb to a record this year because of the nation’s worst-ever outbreak of bird flu in poultry. • Scoreboard. LeBron James and the Cavaliers suit up for Game 4 of the N.B.A. finals against the Warriors at 9 p.m. Eastern (ABC). The Blackhawks beat the Lightning, 2-1, to tie up the Stanley Cup finals at two games each on Wednesday. Each game has been decided by one goal. • Chart topper. The British rock group Florence and the Machine’s “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” album opened at the top of the Billboard chart, the band’s first time at No. 1. • No filibusters here. The annual Congressional Baseball Game, which raises funds for charities, is tonight at Nationals Park in Washington. Last year, the Democrats beat the Republicans for a sixth straight year. BACK STORY

And the British actor Christopher Lee, who devoted his long career to portraying horror film villains and later appeared in the <hl> “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings” <hl> series, died at the age of 93. • Egg inflation. The Agriculture Department says the average price of a dozen eggs in the United States will climb to a record this year because of the nation’s worst-ever outbreak of bird flu in poultry. • Scoreboard. LeBron James and the Cavaliers suit up for Game 4 of the N.B.A. finals against the Warriors at 9 p.m. Eastern (ABC). The Blackhawks beat the Lightning, 2-1, to tie up the Stanley Cup finals at two games each on Wednesday. Each game has been decided by one goal. • Chart topper. The British rock group Florence and the Machine’s “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” album opened at the top of the Billboard chart, the band’s first time at No. 1. • No filibusters here. The annual Congressional Baseball Game, which raises funds for charities, is tonight at Nationals Park in Washington. Last year, the Democrats beat the Republicans for a sixth straight year. BACK STORY


Question: What is the jobless rate for white Americans?

At 62.5 percent, the proportion of Americans in the labor force remains near multidecade lows. The jobless rate for African-Americans rose by 0.2 percentage point in November to 9.4 percent, which is more than twice the 4.3 percent level for white Americans.

Answer: 4.3 percent

At 62.5 percent, the proportion of Americans in the labor force remains near multidecade lows. <hl> The jobless rate for African-Americans rose by 0.2 percentage point in November to 9.4 percent, which is more than twice the 4.3 percent level for white Americans. <hl>

At 62.5 percent, the proportion of Americans in the labor force remains near multidecade lows. The jobless rate for African-Americans rose by 0.2 percentage point in November to 9.4 percent, which is more than twice the <hl> 4.3 percent <hl> level for white Americans.


Question: What years was Mr. Medvedchuk a member of Parliament?

In July 2013, Mr. Putin sat next to Mr. Medvedchuk at an event the group held in Kiev and gave a speech about the deep historical ties between Russia and Ukraine, including “the common spiritual values that make us a single people.” Throughout that fall, Ukrainian Choice ran an aggressive anti-gay ad campaign warning against decayed values in the West. In a precursor to Russia’s now frequent charges of fascism against Kiev and the West, Mr. Medvedchuk described the European Union as the modern heir to Germany’s Third Reich. A co-founder of a major law firm in Kiev, he was not always so virulently anti-Western, according to analysts who have followed his career. As a member of Parliament from 1997 to 2002, he was known to express pro-European views, and had strong working relationships with officials in Poland. Yet, he became so powerful and influential as Mr. Kuchma’s chief of staff, from 2002 to 2005, that there was a joke in Kiev political circles: Mr. Kuchma was serving as president in the Medvedchuk administration. Some Ukrainian analysts believe there is more than a grain of truth in the gag, and that Mr. Putin’s goal is to create a Medvedchuk administration, if not in Kiev, then in Donetsk, where the Kremlin has made clear it would like to see the region granted autonomy similar to that of Chechnya in Russia. In May, with the crisis in eastern Ukraine deepening, Mr. Putin publicly urged that Mr. Medvedchuk be given an important role as a peace negotiator. As soon as Mr. Medvedchuk got involved, the Kremlin issued a statement expressing Mr. Putin’s praise.

Answer: 1997 to 2002

In July 2013, Mr. Putin sat next to Mr. Medvedchuk at an event the group held in Kiev and gave a speech about the deep historical ties between Russia and Ukraine, including “the common spiritual values that make us a single people.” Throughout that fall, Ukrainian Choice ran an aggressive anti-gay ad campaign warning against decayed values in the West. In a precursor to Russia’s now frequent charges of fascism against Kiev and the West, Mr. Medvedchuk described the European Union as the modern heir to Germany’s Third Reich. A co-founder of a major law firm in Kiev, he was not always so virulently anti-Western, according to analysts who have followed his career. <hl> As a member of Parliament from 1997 to 2002 , he was known to express pro-European views, and had strong working relationships with officials in Poland. <hl> Yet, he became so powerful and influential as Mr. Kuchma’s chief of staff, from 2002 to 2005, that there was a joke in Kiev political circles: Mr. Kuchma was serving as president in the Medvedchuk administration. Some Ukrainian analysts believe there is more than a grain of truth in the gag, and that Mr. Putin’s goal is to create a Medvedchuk administration, if not in Kiev, then in Donetsk, where the Kremlin has made clear it would like to see the region granted autonomy similar to that of Chechnya in Russia. In May, with the crisis in eastern Ukraine deepening, Mr. Putin publicly urged that Mr. Medvedchuk be given an important role as a peace negotiator. As soon as Mr. Medvedchuk got involved, the Kremlin issued a statement expressing Mr. Putin’s praise.

In July 2013, Mr. Putin sat next to Mr. Medvedchuk at an event the group held in Kiev and gave a speech about the deep historical ties between Russia and Ukraine, including “the common spiritual values that make us a single people.” Throughout that fall, Ukrainian Choice ran an aggressive anti-gay ad campaign warning against decayed values in the West. In a precursor to Russia’s now frequent charges of fascism against Kiev and the West, Mr. Medvedchuk described the European Union as the modern heir to Germany’s Third Reich. A co-founder of a major law firm in Kiev, he was not always so virulently anti-Western, according to analysts who have followed his career. As a member of Parliament from <hl> 1997 to 2002 <hl>, he was known to express pro-European views, and had strong working relationships with officials in Poland. Yet, he became so powerful and influential as Mr. Kuchma’s chief of staff, from 2002 to 2005, that there was a joke in Kiev political circles: Mr. Kuchma was serving as president in the Medvedchuk administration. Some Ukrainian analysts believe there is more than a grain of truth in the gag, and that Mr. Putin’s goal is to create a Medvedchuk administration, if not in Kiev, then in Donetsk, where the Kremlin has made clear it would like to see the region granted autonomy similar to that of Chechnya in Russia. In May, with the crisis in eastern Ukraine deepening, Mr. Putin publicly urged that Mr. Medvedchuk be given an important role as a peace negotiator. As soon as Mr. Medvedchuk got involved, the Kremlin issued a statement expressing Mr. Putin’s praise.

As a member of Parliament from <hl> 1997 to 2002 <hl> , he was known to express pro-European views, and had strong working relationships with officials in Poland.


Question: Who is the VP for North American manufacturing and labor relations for GM?

Cathy Clegg, the General Motors vice president for North American manufacturing and labor relations, said in a statement about the agreement, “Working with our U.A.W. partners, we developed constructive solutions that benefit employees and provide flexibility for the company to respond to the needs of the marketplace.” David Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research, an industry group in Ann Arbor, Mich., said workers should not expect too much, given the industry’s cyclical nature.

Answer: Cathy Clegg

<hl> Cathy Clegg , the General Motors vice president for North American manufacturing and labor relations, said in a statement about the agreement, “Working with our U.A.W. partners, we developed constructive solutions that benefit employees and provide flexibility for the company to respond to the needs of the marketplace.” <hl> David Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research, an industry group in Ann Arbor, Mich., said workers should not expect too much, given the industry’s cyclical nature.

<hl> Cathy Clegg <hl>, the General Motors vice president for North American manufacturing and labor relations, said in a statement about the agreement, “Working with our U.A.W. partners, we developed constructive solutions that benefit employees and provide flexibility for the company to respond to the needs of the marketplace.” David Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research, an industry group in Ann Arbor, Mich., said workers should not expect too much, given the industry’s cyclical nature.

<hl> Cathy Clegg <hl> , the General Motors vice president for North American manufacturing and labor relations, said in a statement about the agreement, “Working with our U.A.W. partners, we developed constructive solutions that benefit employees and provide flexibility for the company to respond to the needs of the marketplace.”


Question: Which author is considered a naysayer?

As talented as Gibbs was, his work was perhaps not destined to last. He did not, like Lillian Ross, have the freedom regularly to choose his subject matter. He was temperamentally a naysayer. By contrast, Ross, now in her 90s (there is some disagreement about her age), still maintains a sunny disposition and an interest in the youthful and the new. It is no disrespect to Gibbs to speculate that curiosity, a studied neutrality tinged with affection and facts carefully culled so as to capture the world in a moment of time may remain relevant longer than barbed, if canny and delightful, attitude.

Answer: Gibbs

<hl> As talented as Gibbs was, his work was perhaps not destined to last. <hl> He did not, like Lillian Ross, have the freedom regularly to choose his subject matter. He was temperamentally a naysayer. By contrast, Ross, now in her 90s (there is some disagreement about her age), still maintains a sunny disposition and an interest in the youthful and the new. It is no disrespect to Gibbs to speculate that curiosity, a studied neutrality tinged with affection and facts carefully culled so as to capture the world in a moment of time may remain relevant longer than barbed, if canny and delightful, attitude.

As talented as <hl> Gibbs <hl> was, his work was perhaps not destined to last. He did not, like Lillian Ross, have the freedom regularly to choose his subject matter. He was temperamentally a naysayer. By contrast, Ross, now in her 90s (there is some disagreement about her age), still maintains a sunny disposition and an interest in the youthful and the new. It is no disrespect to Gibbs to speculate that curiosity, a studied neutrality tinged with affection and facts carefully culled so as to capture the world in a moment of time may remain relevant longer than barbed, if canny and delightful, attitude.


Question: What did Kiev request that went nowhere?

From the earliest days of the war, the government in Kiev had asked for military help from the United States. Its request for a sophisticated antitank missile went nowhere, as Washington feared it would just encourage Russia to send more weapons and men to Ukraine. What eventually arrived was basic training.

Answer: antitank missile

From the earliest days of the war, the government in Kiev had asked for military help from the United States. <hl> Its request for a sophisticated antitank missile went nowhere, as Washington feared it would just encourage Russia to send more weapons and men to Ukraine. <hl> What eventually arrived was basic training.

From the earliest days of the war, the government in Kiev had asked for military help from the United States. Its request for a sophisticated <hl> antitank missile <hl> went nowhere, as Washington feared it would just encourage Russia to send more weapons and men to Ukraine. What eventually arrived was basic training.