Question: Who wrote the musical "The Bully"?

‘The Bully’ (Saturday and Sunday) Vital Theater Company is reviving this ever-topical musical, by John Gregor and David L. Williams, which refreshingly avoids the trap of bullying its own audiences with heavy moralizing. Instead, the many pitfalls of the typical middle school relationship of victimizer and victim are revealed through wit, humor and a killer of a sly twist. (Through April 26.) At 3:30 p.m., McGinn-Cazale Theater, 2162 Broadway, at 76th Street, fourth floor, 212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org.

Answer: John Gregor and David L. Williams

<hl> ‘The Bully’ (Saturday and Sunday) Vital Theater Company is reviving this ever-topical musical, by John Gregor and David L. Williams , which refreshingly avoids the trap of bullying its own audiences with heavy moralizing. <hl> Instead, the many pitfalls of the typical middle school relationship of victimizer and victim are revealed through wit, humor and a killer of a sly twist. (Through April 26.) At 3:30 p.m., McGinn-Cazale Theater, 2162 Broadway, at 76th Street, fourth floor, 212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org.

‘The Bully’ (Saturday and Sunday) Vital Theater Company is reviving this ever-topical musical, by <hl> John Gregor and David L. Williams <hl>, which refreshingly avoids the trap of bullying its own audiences with heavy moralizing. Instead, the many pitfalls of the typical middle school relationship of victimizer and victim are revealed through wit, humor and a killer of a sly twist. (Through April 26.) At 3:30 p.m., McGinn-Cazale Theater, 2162 Broadway, at 76th Street, fourth floor, 212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org.

‘The Bully’ (Saturday and Sunday) Vital Theater Company is reviving this ever-topical musical, by <hl> John Gregor and David L. Williams <hl> , which refreshingly avoids the trap of bullying its own audiences with heavy moralizing.


Question: Who was surprised by the violence of the Uber brawl?

Although strikes come and go here, the violence of the Uber brawl seemed to shock even the French. While commentators deplored the thuggery of some cabdrivers, they deplored “L’uberisation” even more. “The uberisation of the economy is a godless and lawless development model,” wrote Jean-Michel Bouguereau in La République des Pyrénées. Yves Théard in Le Figaro warned that “the invasion of the digital economy” risked loosening the screws of the French economic model, with its emphasis on workers’ rights and social protection, “one by one.” Yves Dusart in the newspaper L’Est Républicain, summed up, “The French model, snug in its padded jewelry box, is cracking.”

Answer: the French

<hl> Although strikes come and go here, the violence of the Uber brawl seemed to shock even the French . <hl> While commentators deplored the thuggery of some cabdrivers, they deplored “L’uberisation” even more. “The uberisation of the economy is a godless and lawless development model,” wrote Jean-Michel Bouguereau in La République des Pyrénées. Yves Théard in Le Figaro warned that “the invasion of the digital economy” risked loosening the screws of the French economic model, with its emphasis on workers’ rights and social protection, “one by one.” Yves Dusart in the newspaper L’Est Républicain, summed up, “The French model, snug in its padded jewelry box, is cracking.”

Although strikes come and go here, the violence of the Uber brawl seemed to shock even <hl> the French <hl>. While commentators deplored the thuggery of some cabdrivers, they deplored “L’uberisation” even more. “The uberisation of the economy is a godless and lawless development model,” wrote Jean-Michel Bouguereau in La République des Pyrénées. Yves Théard in Le Figaro warned that “the invasion of the digital economy” risked loosening the screws of the French economic model, with its emphasis on workers’ rights and social protection, “one by one.” Yves Dusart in the newspaper L’Est Républicain, summed up, “The French model, snug in its padded jewelry box, is cracking.”

Although strikes come and go here, the violence of the Uber brawl seemed to shock even <hl> the French <hl> .


Question: Spike is the name of the flow in what city?

Visitors in the Chicago crowd didn’t get outright stench, but they did get a hands-on experience: Dr. Still and Mr. Pollak began passing around pieces of Spike’s spathe to the visitors. On Tuesday, they said that Spike was beginning to emit a more putrid odor — a bad sign regarding nearly anything else in the world, but a good sign for this plant — and that visiting hours would be extended until Thursday. In Denver, the visitors who had been hoping for a stinky celebration had gotten luckier. They described the scent as rotting cabbage, dead mice and, oddly, Italian sausage when they stepped close to lean into the blooming flower, named Stinky. Stinky lasted a few days before it crumpled and entered a dormant phase.

Answer: Chicago

<hl> Visitors in the Chicago crowd didn’t get outright stench, but they did get a hands-on experience: Dr. Still and Mr. Pollak began passing around pieces of Spike’s spathe to the visitors. <hl> On Tuesday, they said that Spike was beginning to emit a more putrid odor — a bad sign regarding nearly anything else in the world, but a good sign for this plant — and that visiting hours would be extended until Thursday. In Denver, the visitors who had been hoping for a stinky celebration had gotten luckier. They described the scent as rotting cabbage, dead mice and, oddly, Italian sausage when they stepped close to lean into the blooming flower, named Stinky. Stinky lasted a few days before it crumpled and entered a dormant phase.

Visitors in the <hl> Chicago <hl> crowd didn’t get outright stench, but they did get a hands-on experience: Dr. Still and Mr. Pollak began passing around pieces of Spike’s spathe to the visitors. On Tuesday, they said that Spike was beginning to emit a more putrid odor — a bad sign regarding nearly anything else in the world, but a good sign for this plant — and that visiting hours would be extended until Thursday. In Denver, the visitors who had been hoping for a stinky celebration had gotten luckier. They described the scent as rotting cabbage, dead mice and, oddly, Italian sausage when they stepped close to lean into the blooming flower, named Stinky. Stinky lasted a few days before it crumpled and entered a dormant phase.


Question: How long has Dr. Sexton lived in the faculty apartments?

A 2011 survey showed that 37 percent of college presidents lived in official residences and that an additional 29 percent received housing allowances, according to the American Council on Education. The fair-market value of housing is included in compensation on reports that colleges must file with the Internal Revenue Service. While most employees would regard free housing as an enticing perk, more than a few college presidents have complained about the lack of privacy at these official residences, which are frequently used as venues for university celebrations and fund-raisers. Several presidents have rejected living in the official residence, including Dr. Gee’s successor at Vanderbilt, Nicholas S. Zeppos, who declined to move into the mansion, which is currently used for university functions. Some colleges, however, require presidents to live on campus. Among them, according to a university spokesman, is Columbia, where the president, Lee C. Bollinger, lives in the official residence. His compensation in 2013 included $360,000 that the university estimated was the annual fair-market rent of his use of the house. While president at N.Y.U., Dr. Sexton has not lived in the apartment at 37 West Washington Square, which is officially designated as the president’s residence. In his emailed statement, Mr. Beckman said the apartment had been occupied by several of Dr. Sexton’s predecessors, but that when Dr. Sexton was named president, he chose to remain in the faculty apartment he had occupied since the late 1980s, which is down the street in another university-owned building.

Answer: since the late 1980s

A 2011 survey showed that 37 percent of college presidents lived in official residences and that an additional 29 percent received housing allowances, according to the American Council on Education. The fair-market value of housing is included in compensation on reports that colleges must file with the Internal Revenue Service. While most employees would regard free housing as an enticing perk, more than a few college presidents have complained about the lack of privacy at these official residences, which are frequently used as venues for university celebrations and fund-raisers. Several presidents have rejected living in the official residence, including Dr. Gee’s successor at Vanderbilt, Nicholas S. Zeppos, who declined to move into the mansion, which is currently used for university functions. Some colleges, however, require presidents to live on campus. Among them, according to a university spokesman, is Columbia, where the president, Lee C. Bollinger, lives in the official residence. His compensation in 2013 included $360,000 that the university estimated was the annual fair-market rent of his use of the house. While president at N.Y.U., Dr. Sexton has not lived in the apartment at 37 West Washington Square, which is officially designated as the president’s residence. <hl> In his emailed statement, Mr. Beckman said the apartment had been occupied by several of Dr. Sexton’s predecessors, but that when Dr. Sexton was named president, he chose to remain in the faculty apartment he had occupied since the late 1980s , which is down the street in another university-owned building. <hl>

A 2011 survey showed that 37 percent of college presidents lived in official residences and that an additional 29 percent received housing allowances, according to the American Council on Education. The fair-market value of housing is included in compensation on reports that colleges must file with the Internal Revenue Service. While most employees would regard free housing as an enticing perk, more than a few college presidents have complained about the lack of privacy at these official residences, which are frequently used as venues for university celebrations and fund-raisers. Several presidents have rejected living in the official residence, including Dr. Gee’s successor at Vanderbilt, Nicholas S. Zeppos, who declined to move into the mansion, which is currently used for university functions. Some colleges, however, require presidents to live on campus. Among them, according to a university spokesman, is Columbia, where the president, Lee C. Bollinger, lives in the official residence. His compensation in 2013 included $360,000 that the university estimated was the annual fair-market rent of his use of the house. While president at N.Y.U., Dr. Sexton has not lived in the apartment at 37 West Washington Square, which is officially designated as the president’s residence. In his emailed statement, Mr. Beckman said the apartment had been occupied by several of Dr. Sexton’s predecessors, but that when Dr. Sexton was named president, he chose to remain in the faculty apartment he had occupied <hl> since the late 1980s <hl>, which is down the street in another university-owned building.

In his emailed statement, Mr. Beckman said the apartment had been occupied by several of Dr. Sexton’s predecessors, but that when Dr. Sexton was named president, he chose to remain in the faculty apartment he had occupied <hl> since the late 1980s <hl> , which is down the street in another university-owned building.


Question: What should the coach consider doing to Tom Brady in light of his injured offensive line?

Equally problematic for the Patriots, their banged-up offensive line cannot seem to block anyone and now must keep J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney off quarterback Tom Brady. Perhaps Coach Bill Belichick should consider sitting Brady for his own protection and concede this one. This game will also see the longtime Patriots defensive anchor Vince Wilfork lining up against his former team for the first time. To hear Wilfork talk about it, Sunday’s game is likely to be a bit bittersweet for him, to say the least. “I never thought that, in my whole career, I’d be playing in something other than a Patriots helmet, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes, and it did,” Wilfork said during the week. “I will always love Bill Belichick, that organization, the teammates, the fans. I will always have my love for those guys because of the 11 great years we had up there.” PICK: Texans

Answer: sitting Brady

Equally problematic for the Patriots, their banged-up offensive line cannot seem to block anyone and now must keep J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney off quarterback Tom Brady. <hl> Perhaps Coach Bill Belichick should consider sitting Brady for his own protection and concede this one. <hl> This game will also see the longtime Patriots defensive anchor Vince Wilfork lining up against his former team for the first time. To hear Wilfork talk about it, Sunday’s game is likely to be a bit bittersweet for him, to say the least. “I never thought that, in my whole career, I’d be playing in something other than a Patriots helmet, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes, and it did,” Wilfork said during the week. “I will always love Bill Belichick, that organization, the teammates, the fans. I will always have my love for those guys because of the 11 great years we had up there.” PICK: Texans

Equally problematic for the Patriots, their banged-up offensive line cannot seem to block anyone and now must keep J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney off quarterback Tom Brady. Perhaps Coach Bill Belichick should consider <hl> sitting Brady <hl> for his own protection and concede this one. This game will also see the longtime Patriots defensive anchor Vince Wilfork lining up against his former team for the first time. To hear Wilfork talk about it, Sunday’s game is likely to be a bit bittersweet for him, to say the least. “I never thought that, in my whole career, I’d be playing in something other than a Patriots helmet, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes, and it did,” Wilfork said during the week. “I will always love Bill Belichick, that organization, the teammates, the fans. I will always have my love for those guys because of the 11 great years we had up there.” PICK: Texans


Question: What was presented at New York Live Arts?

Luciana Achugar (through Dec. 19) Last year Ms. Achugar presented “Otro Teatro” at New York Live Arts, exploring what it would mean to “grow ourselves a new body.” Since that ecstatic, anarchic ritual of a performance, she has continued the investigation of pleasure, desire and dance as an agent for change. The next and perhaps final phase is “An Epilogue for Otro Teatro: True Love,” which takes over a studio at Gibney Dance’s downtown location for three hours at a time. Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Gibney Dance: Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center, 280 Broadway, near Chambers Street, Lower Manhattan, 646-837-6809, gibneydance.org. (Siobhan Burke)

Answer: Gibney

Luciana Achugar (through Dec. 19) Last year Ms. Achugar presented “Otro Teatro” at New York Live Arts, exploring what it would mean to “grow ourselves a new body.” Since that ecstatic, anarchic ritual of a performance, she has continued the investigation of pleasure, desire and dance as an agent for change. <hl> The next and perhaps final phase is “An Epilogue for Otro Teatro: True Love,” which takes over a studio at Gibney Dance’s downtown location for three hours at a time. <hl> Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Gibney Dance: Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center, 280 Broadway, near Chambers Street, Lower Manhattan, 646-837-6809, gibneydance.org. (Siobhan Burke)

Luciana Achugar (through Dec. 19) Last year Ms. Achugar presented “Otro Teatro” at New York Live Arts, exploring what it would mean to “grow ourselves a new body.” Since that ecstatic, anarchic ritual of a performance, she has continued the investigation of pleasure, desire and dance as an agent for change. The next and perhaps final phase is “An Epilogue for Otro Teatro: True Love,” which takes over a studio at <hl> Gibney <hl> Dance’s downtown location for three hours at a time. Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Gibney Dance: Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center, 280 Broadway, near Chambers Street, Lower Manhattan, 646-837-6809, gibneydance.org. (Siobhan Burke)


Question: What does the former head of theology recommend

DAVID PASINSKI Fayetteville, N.Y. The writer is a former priest. To the Editor: In the 1960s I met with the Jesuit head of theology at my former university. When he heard my medical history with childbirth, which included emergency surgery, seven transfusions and the last rites with the first birth, he said: “I fail to see how God will be honored by four motherless children. You should use birth control.”

Answer: birth control.

You should use birth control. ”

DAVID PASINSKI Fayetteville, N.Y. The writer is a former priest. To the Editor: In the 1960s I met with the Jesuit head of theology at my former university. When he heard my medical history with childbirth, which included emergency surgery, seven transfusions and the last rites with the first birth, he said: “I fail to see how God will be honored by four motherless children. <hl> You should use birth control. ” <hl>

DAVID PASINSKI Fayetteville, N.Y. The writer is a former priest. To the Editor: In the 1960s I met with the Jesuit head of theology at my former university. When he heard my medical history with childbirth, which included emergency surgery, seven transfusions and the last rites with the first birth, he said: “I fail to see how God will be honored by four motherless children. You should use <hl> birth control. <hl>”

You should use <hl> birth control. <hl> ”


Question: What is the strategy of Mr. Corbyn's opponents moving forward?

“Whether it’s weakening our defenses, raising taxes on jobs and earnings, racking up more debt and welfare or driving up the cost of living by printing money — Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party will hurt working people,” he said in a statement. More worrying for Mr. Corbyn will be internal critics. Steven Fielding, professor of political history at Nottingham University, said that the emphatic nature of Mr. Corbyn’s victory made it likely that his opponents would keep quiet for some months, and hope for him to trip up. “I think there will be some kind of cease-fire, and that they will see how it goes, assuming that in six to 12 months, Labour’s opinion poll position will start to fall, and then they can start acting more assertively,” Mr. Fielding said. Doing so more quickly might risk the wrath of the party supporters, many of whom have been energized by Mr. Corbyn’s campaign, Mr. Fielding added. On Saturday they thronged the conference center where the results were announced, some cheering or chanting.

Answer: his opponents would keep quiet for some months, and hope for him to trip up.

“Whether it’s weakening our defenses, raising taxes on jobs and earnings, racking up more debt and welfare or driving up the cost of living by printing money — Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party will hurt working people,” he said in a statement. More worrying for Mr. Corbyn will be internal critics. <hl> Steven Fielding, professor of political history at Nottingham University, said that the emphatic nature of Mr. Corbyn’s victory made it likely that his opponents would keep quiet for some months, and hope for him to trip up. “I think there will be some kind of cease-fire, and that they will see how it goes, assuming that in six to 12 months, Labour’s opinion poll position will start to fall, and then they can start acting more assertively,” Mr. Fielding said. <hl> Doing so more quickly might risk the wrath of the party supporters, many of whom have been energized by Mr. Corbyn’s campaign, Mr. Fielding added. On Saturday they thronged the conference center where the results were announced, some cheering or chanting.

“Whether it’s weakening our defenses, raising taxes on jobs and earnings, racking up more debt and welfare or driving up the cost of living by printing money — Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party will hurt working people,” he said in a statement. More worrying for Mr. Corbyn will be internal critics. Steven Fielding, professor of political history at Nottingham University, said that the emphatic nature of Mr. Corbyn’s victory made it likely that <hl> his opponents would keep quiet for some months, and hope for him to trip up. <hl> “I think there will be some kind of cease-fire, and that they will see how it goes, assuming that in six to 12 months, Labour’s opinion poll position will start to fall, and then they can start acting more assertively,” Mr. Fielding said. Doing so more quickly might risk the wrath of the party supporters, many of whom have been energized by Mr. Corbyn’s campaign, Mr. Fielding added. On Saturday they thronged the conference center where the results were announced, some cheering or chanting.


Question: what types of Maker education did Barnes and Noble provide?

Facing spiraling losses from store closings, Barnes & Noble is searching for ways to increase foot traffic and drive sales. Last month, the chain held a coloring event at stores around the country, where it doled out sample sheets from coloring books and art supplies. It also recently held a national Mini Maker Faire promoting technology literacy at its stores, with coding and 3-D printing workshops. Near the front of the Union Square store, a large display table was dedicated to vinyl records and turntables, and another area showcased tech gadgets. Near the registers, a table was covered with adult coloring books, one of the fastest-growing book categories, and art supplies. “The macro trend is about physical interaction with things,” Mr. Boire said. “I think it’s here for the long haul.”

Answer: coding and 3-D printing workshops

Facing spiraling losses from store closings, Barnes & Noble is searching for ways to increase foot traffic and drive sales. Last month, the chain held a coloring event at stores around the country, where it doled out sample sheets from coloring books and art supplies. <hl> It also recently held a national Mini Maker Faire promoting technology literacy at its stores, with coding and 3-D printing workshops . <hl> Near the front of the Union Square store, a large display table was dedicated to vinyl records and turntables, and another area showcased tech gadgets. Near the registers, a table was covered with adult coloring books, one of the fastest-growing book categories, and art supplies. “The macro trend is about physical interaction with things,” Mr. Boire said. “I think it’s here for the long haul.”

Facing spiraling losses from store closings, Barnes & Noble is searching for ways to increase foot traffic and drive sales. Last month, the chain held a coloring event at stores around the country, where it doled out sample sheets from coloring books and art supplies. It also recently held a national Mini Maker Faire promoting technology literacy at its stores, with <hl> coding and 3-D printing workshops <hl>. Near the front of the Union Square store, a large display table was dedicated to vinyl records and turntables, and another area showcased tech gadgets. Near the registers, a table was covered with adult coloring books, one of the fastest-growing book categories, and art supplies. “The macro trend is about physical interaction with things,” Mr. Boire said. “I think it’s here for the long haul.”

It also recently held a national Mini Maker Faire promoting technology literacy at its stores, with <hl> coding and 3-D printing workshops <hl> .


Question: What role did Mr. Borle win a Tony for playing?

With his resolute jaw, gleaming smile and heroic tenor, Mr. d’Arcy James wasn’t meant to play a sad sack like Nick. Though he works hard, the character eludes his grasp. Mr. Borle brings his well-polished panoply of comic tics, winks and flourishes to his portrayal of Shakespeare as a glam rock star. As anyone who saw his Tony-winning Captain Hook in “Peter and the Starcatcher” knows, Mr. Borle is a master of carefully stylized excess. In “Something Rotten!,” though, he has nothing else to fall back on. Like the show itself, it’s both too much and not enough.

Answer: Captain Hook

With his resolute jaw, gleaming smile and heroic tenor, Mr. d’Arcy James wasn’t meant to play a sad sack like Nick. Though he works hard, the character eludes his grasp. Mr. Borle brings his well-polished panoply of comic tics, winks and flourishes to his portrayal of Shakespeare as a glam rock star. <hl> As anyone who saw his Tony-winning Captain Hook in “Peter and the Starcatcher” knows, Mr. Borle is a master of carefully stylized excess. <hl> In “Something Rotten!,” though, he has nothing else to fall back on. Like the show itself, it’s both too much and not enough.

With his resolute jaw, gleaming smile and heroic tenor, Mr. d’Arcy James wasn’t meant to play a sad sack like Nick. Though he works hard, the character eludes his grasp. Mr. Borle brings his well-polished panoply of comic tics, winks and flourishes to his portrayal of Shakespeare as a glam rock star. As anyone who saw his Tony-winning <hl> Captain Hook <hl> in “Peter and the Starcatcher” knows, Mr. Borle is a master of carefully stylized excess. In “Something Rotten!,” though, he has nothing else to fall back on. Like the show itself, it’s both too much and not enough.


Question: What kind of engine was dreamed about for the R8?

He mused about dropping muscular diesel engines into sporty cars like the Audi R8 coupe — “My dream is an R8 with a diesel engine,” he said at the Los Angeles auto show in 2007. At the same time, he had to bring engines to market that could meet a complex suite of toughening regulations in the United States, particularly in California and other states like New York that opt to follow California’s more stringent air quality rules. “We will do what is possible, but we should keep the pleasure” and keep cars “fun to drive,” he said in remarks in October 2007 at the California technology demonstration. His remarks were filmed by DrivingtheNation.com, an auto website. “It’s not just about transport; our business, it’s also about pleasure,” he said.

Answer: diesel engine

<hl> He mused about dropping muscular diesel engine s into sporty cars like the Audi R8 coupe — “My dream is an R8 with a diesel engine,” he said at the Los Angeles auto show in 2007. <hl> At the same time, he had to bring engines to market that could meet a complex suite of toughening regulations in the United States, particularly in California and other states like New York that opt to follow California’s more stringent air quality rules. “We will do what is possible, but we should keep the pleasure” and keep cars “fun to drive,” he said in remarks in October 2007 at the California technology demonstration. His remarks were filmed by DrivingtheNation.com, an auto website. “It’s not just about transport; our business, it’s also about pleasure,” he said.

He mused about dropping muscular <hl> diesel engine <hl>s into sporty cars like the Audi R8 coupe — “My dream is an R8 with a diesel engine,” he said at the Los Angeles auto show in 2007. At the same time, he had to bring engines to market that could meet a complex suite of toughening regulations in the United States, particularly in California and other states like New York that opt to follow California’s more stringent air quality rules. “We will do what is possible, but we should keep the pleasure” and keep cars “fun to drive,” he said in remarks in October 2007 at the California technology demonstration. His remarks were filmed by DrivingtheNation.com, an auto website. “It’s not just about transport; our business, it’s also about pleasure,” he said.

He mused about dropping muscular <hl> diesel engine <hl> s into sporty cars like the Audi R8 coupe — “My dream is an R8 with a diesel engine,” he said at the Los Angeles auto show in 2007.


Question: what kind of scandal was it?

Parents and prospective students often think of colleges as cohesive institutions, each with their own cultures and academic standards. To attend, say, the University of North Carolina — regardless of what you study — is supposed to mean something different from attending nearby Duke, North Carolina State or a faraway college. In reality, colleges are much less cohesive than many outsiders realize, especially when it comes to academics. Many instead resemble a collection of disparate departments — or even just disparate professors — who happen to work on the same campus. These disparate groups rarely interact, share little in common and face little accountability. Yes, higher education is generally worth it, by any empirical definition, as I’ve often written. But higher education is also full of expensive, damaging inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Our contributor Kevin Carey has written an important and eye-opening piece on this subject, and I encourage you to read it. He starts the piece with a notorious football scandal but goes far beyond sports and scandal. Colleges, Kevin writes, “are not coherent academic enterprises with consistent standards of classroom excellence. When it comes to exerting influence over teaching and learning, they’re Easter eggs. They barely exist.” Let us know what you think of his argument, in the comments section at the bottom or through Facebook or Twitter. And I hope you enjoy your weekend. David Leonhardt

Answer: football

Parents and prospective students often think of colleges as cohesive institutions, each with their own cultures and academic standards. To attend, say, the University of North Carolina — regardless of what you study — is supposed to mean something different from attending nearby Duke, North Carolina State or a faraway college. In reality, colleges are much less cohesive than many outsiders realize, especially when it comes to academics. Many instead resemble a collection of disparate departments — or even just disparate professors — who happen to work on the same campus. These disparate groups rarely interact, share little in common and face little accountability. Yes, higher education is generally worth it, by any empirical definition, as I’ve often written. But higher education is also full of expensive, damaging inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Our contributor Kevin Carey has written an important and eye-opening piece on this subject, and I encourage you to read it. <hl> He starts the piece with a notorious football scandal but goes far beyond sports and scandal. <hl> Colleges, Kevin writes, “are not coherent academic enterprises with consistent standards of classroom excellence. When it comes to exerting influence over teaching and learning, they’re Easter eggs. They barely exist.” Let us know what you think of his argument, in the comments section at the bottom or through Facebook or Twitter. And I hope you enjoy your weekend. David Leonhardt

Parents and prospective students often think of colleges as cohesive institutions, each with their own cultures and academic standards. To attend, say, the University of North Carolina — regardless of what you study — is supposed to mean something different from attending nearby Duke, North Carolina State or a faraway college. In reality, colleges are much less cohesive than many outsiders realize, especially when it comes to academics. Many instead resemble a collection of disparate departments — or even just disparate professors — who happen to work on the same campus. These disparate groups rarely interact, share little in common and face little accountability. Yes, higher education is generally worth it, by any empirical definition, as I’ve often written. But higher education is also full of expensive, damaging inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Our contributor Kevin Carey has written an important and eye-opening piece on this subject, and I encourage you to read it. He starts the piece with a notorious <hl> football <hl> scandal but goes far beyond sports and scandal. Colleges, Kevin writes, “are not coherent academic enterprises with consistent standards of classroom excellence. When it comes to exerting influence over teaching and learning, they’re Easter eggs. They barely exist.” Let us know what you think of his argument, in the comments section at the bottom or through Facebook or Twitter. And I hope you enjoy your weekend. David Leonhardt


Question: Do boys or girls have a harder time being respected within the gaming community?

Ms. Wiseman, who studied gaming habits among middle- and high school-aged people, said girls face elevated scrutiny over their gaming skills. They describe harrowing experiences in web-based multiplayer games where participants talk through headsets. When a girl’s voice chimes in, the reaction from other players often follows a certain script. “It’s something about they’re a slut, they’re fat, they’re ugly, or they are bad at the game,” she said. As a result, girls will often mute their voices.

Answer: girls face elevated scrutiny

<hl> Ms. Wiseman, who studied gaming habits among middle- and high school-aged people, said girls face elevated scrutiny over their gaming skills. <hl> They describe harrowing experiences in web-based multiplayer games where participants talk through headsets. When a girl’s voice chimes in, the reaction from other players often follows a certain script. “It’s something about they’re a slut, they’re fat, they’re ugly, or they are bad at the game,” she said. As a result, girls will often mute their voices.

Ms. Wiseman, who studied gaming habits among middle- and high school-aged people, said <hl> girls face elevated scrutiny <hl> over their gaming skills. They describe harrowing experiences in web-based multiplayer games where participants talk through headsets. When a girl’s voice chimes in, the reaction from other players often follows a certain script. “It’s something about they’re a slut, they’re fat, they’re ugly, or they are bad at the game,” she said. As a result, girls will often mute their voices.


Question: How many jobs were lost during the recession in the legal sector?

During the recession, the legal sector — which is not confined to lawyers — shed about 60,000 jobs, and only about 20,000 have been added back, said James G. Leipold, executive director of the National Association for Law Placement, citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among the lawyers affected by the cuts, those with two to three years of experience were hit particularly hard, said David P. Miranda, president of the New York State Bar Association. As a result, he said, recent law school graduates have found themselves competing for work not only with classmates, but also with seasoned lawyers. The difficulty in finding jobs appears to have discouraged some people from pursuing legal careers, he added. Indeed, law school enrollment across the country dropped 30 percent over the past four years, Mr. Leipold said.

Answer: 60,000

<hl> During the recession, the legal sector — which is not confined to lawyers — shed about 60,000 jobs, and only about 20,000 have been added back, said James G. Leipold, executive director of the National Association for Law Placement, citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. <hl> Among the lawyers affected by the cuts, those with two to three years of experience were hit particularly hard, said David P. Miranda, president of the New York State Bar Association. As a result, he said, recent law school graduates have found themselves competing for work not only with classmates, but also with seasoned lawyers. The difficulty in finding jobs appears to have discouraged some people from pursuing legal careers, he added. Indeed, law school enrollment across the country dropped 30 percent over the past four years, Mr. Leipold said.

During the recession, the legal sector — which is not confined to lawyers — shed about <hl> 60,000 <hl> jobs, and only about 20,000 have been added back, said James G. Leipold, executive director of the National Association for Law Placement, citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among the lawyers affected by the cuts, those with two to three years of experience were hit particularly hard, said David P. Miranda, president of the New York State Bar Association. As a result, he said, recent law school graduates have found themselves competing for work not only with classmates, but also with seasoned lawyers. The difficulty in finding jobs appears to have discouraged some people from pursuing legal careers, he added. Indeed, law school enrollment across the country dropped 30 percent over the past four years, Mr. Leipold said.


Question: Where did Kelly receive his walking papers?

N.F.L. Week 7 scores and highlights Four games into the 2015 season, the Eagles were 1-3 and fans were calling for Coach Chip Kelly’s head. Speculation ran wild about which college program Kelly might helm next year after receiving his walking papers in Philadelphia. But with two straight wins, including a 27-7 throttling of their division rival Giants, the Eagles sit atop the N.F.C. East. Their offense, which struggled mightily in its first four games, averaged 472 yards in its last two (it averaged only 294 in its first four). In short, the Eagles are looking like the Eagles many expected coming into this season. And they are doing it despite the poor play of quarterback Sam Bradford, who tossed three interceptions against the Giants and is second in the league in interceptions over all with nine. Bradford does not seem to have any grasp on what his problems are.

Answer: Philadelphia

N.F.L. Week 7 scores and highlights Four games into the 2015 season, the Eagles were 1-3 and fans were calling for Coach Chip Kelly’s head. <hl> Speculation ran wild about which college program Kelly might helm next year after receiving his walking papers in Philadelphia . <hl> But with two straight wins, including a 27-7 throttling of their division rival Giants, the Eagles sit atop the N.F.C. East. Their offense, which struggled mightily in its first four games, averaged 472 yards in its last two (it averaged only 294 in its first four). In short, the Eagles are looking like the Eagles many expected coming into this season. And they are doing it despite the poor play of quarterback Sam Bradford, who tossed three interceptions against the Giants and is second in the league in interceptions over all with nine. Bradford does not seem to have any grasp on what his problems are.

N.F.L. Week 7 scores and highlights Four games into the 2015 season, the Eagles were 1-3 and fans were calling for Coach Chip Kelly’s head. Speculation ran wild about which college program Kelly might helm next year after receiving his walking papers in <hl> Philadelphia <hl>. But with two straight wins, including a 27-7 throttling of their division rival Giants, the Eagles sit atop the N.F.C. East. Their offense, which struggled mightily in its first four games, averaged 472 yards in its last two (it averaged only 294 in its first four). In short, the Eagles are looking like the Eagles many expected coming into this season. And they are doing it despite the poor play of quarterback Sam Bradford, who tossed three interceptions against the Giants and is second in the league in interceptions over all with nine. Bradford does not seem to have any grasp on what his problems are.

Speculation ran wild about which college program Kelly might helm next year after receiving his walking papers in <hl> Philadelphia <hl> .


Question: What kind of reckoning has Tunisia had with it's own past?

As part of its remarkable journey toward democracy, Tunisia has embarked on a painful reckoning with its past. Since last year, its Truth and Dignity Commission, created by constitutional mandate in 2013, has been collecting harrowing accounts of torture suffered by thousands of Tunisians over nearly six decades, primarily under the regimes of the dictators Habib Bourguiba and Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.

Answer: painful

<hl> As part of its remarkable journey toward democracy, Tunisia has embarked on a painful reckoning with its past. <hl> Since last year, its Truth and Dignity Commission, created by constitutional mandate in 2013, has been collecting harrowing accounts of torture suffered by thousands of Tunisians over nearly six decades, primarily under the regimes of the dictators Habib Bourguiba and Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.

As part of its remarkable journey toward democracy, Tunisia has embarked on a <hl> painful <hl> reckoning with its past. Since last year, its Truth and Dignity Commission, created by constitutional mandate in 2013, has been collecting harrowing accounts of torture suffered by thousands of Tunisians over nearly six decades, primarily under the regimes of the dictators Habib Bourguiba and Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.


Question: When are the housing and rent stabilization laws set to expire?

“We’re going to support it, including the mansion tax,” said Steven Spinola, president of the real estate board. “We’re not happy about everything, but we think it will lead to building more affordable housing.” Mr. de Blasio has also been outspoken on another contentious affordable-housing issue — the need to strengthen rent regulations to preserve the city’s existing affordable-housing stock. His proposals still face a battle in Albany, which has been thrown into turmoil in recent months by the arrest on corruption-related charges of Sheldon Silver, a Democratic assemblyman and former speaker, and Dean G. Skelos, the Republican majority leader in the Senate. Both the 44-year-old 421-a housing program and the rent stabilization law, which governs rents for one million apartments in New York City, are set to expire on June 15.

Answer: June 15

“We’re going to support it, including the mansion tax,” said Steven Spinola, president of the real estate board. “We’re not happy about everything, but we think it will lead to building more affordable housing.” Mr. de Blasio has also been outspoken on another contentious affordable-housing issue — the need to strengthen rent regulations to preserve the city’s existing affordable-housing stock. His proposals still face a battle in Albany, which has been thrown into turmoil in recent months by the arrest on corruption-related charges of Sheldon Silver, a Democratic assemblyman and former speaker, and Dean G. Skelos, the Republican majority leader in the Senate. <hl> Both the 44-year-old 421-a housing program and the rent stabilization law, which governs rents for one million apartments in New York City, are set to expire on June 15 . <hl>

“We’re going to support it, including the mansion tax,” said Steven Spinola, president of the real estate board. “We’re not happy about everything, but we think it will lead to building more affordable housing.” Mr. de Blasio has also been outspoken on another contentious affordable-housing issue — the need to strengthen rent regulations to preserve the city’s existing affordable-housing stock. His proposals still face a battle in Albany, which has been thrown into turmoil in recent months by the arrest on corruption-related charges of Sheldon Silver, a Democratic assemblyman and former speaker, and Dean G. Skelos, the Republican majority leader in the Senate. Both the 44-year-old 421-a housing program and the rent stabilization law, which governs rents for one million apartments in New York City, are set to expire on <hl> June 15 <hl>.

Both the 44-year-old 421-a housing program and the rent stabilization law, which governs rents for one million apartments in New York City, are set to expire on <hl> June 15 <hl> .


Question: Commercial style lagers commonly use what kind of adjunct?

Defining “American lager” was difficult. American brewers like nothing better than bending and twisting beer styles, so vague terms like American lager bleed into more specific forms of lager like, say, pilsner. Our solution was to include golden and amber lagers, equivalent to German styles like Helles and Dortmunder, while excluding beers labeled pilsner. We also tried, not entirely successfully, to exclude lagers that used cereal adjuncts in the industrial style. As I said, it’s hard to be precise. Almost all were 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent alcohol.

Answer: cereal

Defining “American lager” was difficult. American brewers like nothing better than bending and twisting beer styles, so vague terms like American lager bleed into more specific forms of lager like, say, pilsner. Our solution was to include golden and amber lagers, equivalent to German styles like Helles and Dortmunder, while excluding beers labeled pilsner. <hl> We also tried, not entirely successfully, to exclude lagers that used cereal adjuncts in the industrial style. <hl> As I said, it’s hard to be precise. Almost all were 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent alcohol.

Defining “American lager” was difficult. American brewers like nothing better than bending and twisting beer styles, so vague terms like American lager bleed into more specific forms of lager like, say, pilsner. Our solution was to include golden and amber lagers, equivalent to German styles like Helles and Dortmunder, while excluding beers labeled pilsner. We also tried, not entirely successfully, to exclude lagers that used <hl> cereal <hl> adjuncts in the industrial style. As I said, it’s hard to be precise. Almost all were 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent alcohol.


Question: What is the purpose of the Persian New Year?

Family Day: ‘Spring Into Nowruz!’ (Saturday) We’ve had the Western New Year, the Chinese New Year and the Tibetan New Year; now here comes Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which also heralds the arrival of spring. Asia Society will celebrate with this Family Day, which includes song and dance from the J-Hoon Musical Ensemble, a Kurdish youth company; Nowruz folk song performances and a singalong; and storytelling that illuminates the holiday’s origins. Children can also take part in Persian crafts, including mosaics and collages. From 1 to 4 p.m., 725 Park Avenue, at 70th Street, 212-517-2742, asiasociety.org/new-york.

Answer: heralds the arrival of spring

Family Day: ‘Spring Into Nowruz!’ (Saturday) <hl> We’ve had the Western New Year, the Chinese New Year and the Tibetan New Year; now here comes Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which also heralds the arrival of spring . <hl> Asia Society will celebrate with this Family Day, which includes song and dance from the J-Hoon Musical Ensemble, a Kurdish youth company; Nowruz folk song performances and a singalong; and storytelling that illuminates the holiday’s origins. Children can also take part in Persian crafts, including mosaics and collages. From 1 to 4 p.m., 725 Park Avenue, at 70th Street, 212-517-2742, asiasociety.org/new-york.

Family Day: ‘Spring Into Nowruz!’ (Saturday) We’ve had the Western New Year, the Chinese New Year and the Tibetan New Year; now here comes Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which also <hl> heralds the arrival of spring <hl>. Asia Society will celebrate with this Family Day, which includes song and dance from the J-Hoon Musical Ensemble, a Kurdish youth company; Nowruz folk song performances and a singalong; and storytelling that illuminates the holiday’s origins. Children can also take part in Persian crafts, including mosaics and collages. From 1 to 4 p.m., 725 Park Avenue, at 70th Street, 212-517-2742, asiasociety.org/new-york.

We’ve had the Western New Year, the Chinese New Year and the Tibetan New Year; now here comes Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which also <hl> heralds the arrival of spring <hl> .


Question: Where is from Simon Magakwe?

■ The South African sprinter Simon Magakwe will miss the 2016 Olympics after refusing to take an out-of-competition doping test, his national association announced. Magakwe was barred from international athletics for two years, ruling him out of the Rio Olympics and the world championships in Beijing this year. (AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE)

Answer: South African

<hl> ■ The South African sprinter Simon Magakwe will miss the 2016 Olympics after refusing to take an out-of-competition doping test, his national association announced. <hl> Magakwe was barred from international athletics for two years, ruling him out of the Rio Olympics and the world championships in Beijing this year. (AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE)

■ The <hl> South African <hl> sprinter Simon Magakwe will miss the 2016 Olympics after refusing to take an out-of-competition doping test, his national association announced. Magakwe was barred from international athletics for two years, ruling him out of the Rio Olympics and the world championships in Beijing this year. (AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE)


Question: Who does Huckabee hope to dominate among?

HOPE, Ark. —  Mike Huckabee, who excited evangelical voters in his first presidential race in 2008 and retains much of their good will, announced on Tuesday that he would again seek the Republican nomination despite a crowded field of rivals for his natural base in the party. A former Southern Baptist pastor and Arkansas governor, Mr. Huckabee is returning in hopes of once more dominating among social conservatives, but he is acutely aware he needs broader support to avoid the snares of last time, when he ran dry of money and failed to appeal much beyond the South. After describing a childhood of school prayer, fishing for catfish and running for student council in Hope, Mr. Huckabee said, “So it seems perfectly fitting that it would be here that I announce I am a candidate for president of the United States.”

Answer: social conservatives

HOPE, Ark. — Mike Huckabee, who excited evangelical voters in his first presidential race in 2008 and retains much of their good will, announced on Tuesday that he would again seek the Republican nomination despite a crowded field of rivals for his natural base in the party. <hl> A former Southern Baptist pastor and Arkansas governor, Mr. Huckabee is returning in hopes of once more dominating among social conservatives , but he is acutely aware he needs broader support to avoid the snares of last time, when he ran dry of money and failed to appeal much beyond the South. <hl> After describing a childhood of school prayer, fishing for catfish and running for student council in Hope, Mr. Huckabee said, “So it seems perfectly fitting that it would be here that I announce I am a candidate for president of the United States.”

HOPE, Ark. — Mike Huckabee, who excited evangelical voters in his first presidential race in 2008 and retains much of their good will, announced on Tuesday that he would again seek the Republican nomination despite a crowded field of rivals for his natural base in the party. A former Southern Baptist pastor and Arkansas governor, Mr. Huckabee is returning in hopes of once more dominating among <hl> social conservatives <hl>, but he is acutely aware he needs broader support to avoid the snares of last time, when he ran dry of money and failed to appeal much beyond the South. After describing a childhood of school prayer, fishing for catfish and running for student council in Hope, Mr. Huckabee said, “So it seems perfectly fitting that it would be here that I announce I am a candidate for president of the United States.”

A former Southern Baptist pastor and Arkansas governor, Mr. Huckabee is returning in hopes of once more dominating among <hl> social conservatives <hl> , but he is acutely aware he needs broader support to avoid the snares of last time, when he ran dry of money and failed to appeal much beyond the South.


Question: Where is Steven Pitt from?

“Look for the defense to emphasize the fact that James Holmes truly suffers from a serious mental illness, that he is in dire need of ongoing treatment and that while incarcerated he does not pose any real threat or danger to society,” said Steven Pitt, a forensic psychiatrist in Arizona who has followed the case closely. “Look for the prosecution to try and minimize the extent of Holmes’s mental illness and instead depict him as someone who is depraved and rotten to the core.” The district attorney, George Brauchler, has said that for Mr. Holmes, “justice is death.” Prosecutors argued that Mr. Holmes plotted the shootings for several weeks, deliberately and meticulously, because he had lost his first and only girlfriend, had dropped out of his graduate program and had generally lost his purpose in life.

Answer: Arizona

<hl> “Look for the defense to emphasize the fact that James Holmes truly suffers from a serious mental illness, that he is in dire need of ongoing treatment and that while incarcerated he does not pose any real threat or danger to society,” said Steven Pitt, a forensic psychiatrist in Arizona who has followed the case closely. <hl> “Look for the prosecution to try and minimize the extent of Holmes’s mental illness and instead depict him as someone who is depraved and rotten to the core.” The district attorney, George Brauchler, has said that for Mr. Holmes, “justice is death.” Prosecutors argued that Mr. Holmes plotted the shootings for several weeks, deliberately and meticulously, because he had lost his first and only girlfriend, had dropped out of his graduate program and had generally lost his purpose in life.

“Look for the defense to emphasize the fact that James Holmes truly suffers from a serious mental illness, that he is in dire need of ongoing treatment and that while incarcerated he does not pose any real threat or danger to society,” said Steven Pitt, a forensic psychiatrist in <hl> Arizona <hl> who has followed the case closely. “Look for the prosecution to try and minimize the extent of Holmes’s mental illness and instead depict him as someone who is depraved and rotten to the core.” The district attorney, George Brauchler, has said that for Mr. Holmes, “justice is death.” Prosecutors argued that Mr. Holmes plotted the shootings for several weeks, deliberately and meticulously, because he had lost his first and only girlfriend, had dropped out of his graduate program and had generally lost his purpose in life.


Question: How many times has the N.H.L. blocked out its players?

By pointing to freedom abroad, M.L.S. demonstrates that restraining salaries in a sports landscape where free agency is rampant will naturally lead those without it to push hard for it. Yet The Daily Mail has calculated that the average player salary in M.L.S. ranks 22nd among the world’s soccer leagues, a fraction of the average in top competitions like England’s Premier League and Germany’s Bundesliga. No wonder M.L.S. players want more. The question is: How far will they go to get it? The 1994 baseball players’ strike came at the expense of the World Series. The N.H.L. has locked out its players three times, once for a full season.

Answer: three

By pointing to freedom abroad, M.L.S. demonstrates that restraining salaries in a sports landscape where free agency is rampant will naturally lead those without it to push hard for it. Yet The Daily Mail has calculated that the average player salary in M.L.S. ranks 22nd among the world’s soccer leagues, a fraction of the average in top competitions like England’s Premier League and Germany’s Bundesliga. No wonder M.L.S. players want more. The question is: How far will they go to get it? The 1994 baseball players’ strike came at the expense of the World Series. <hl> The N.H.L. has locked out its players three times, once for a full season. <hl>

By pointing to freedom abroad, M.L.S. demonstrates that restraining salaries in a sports landscape where free agency is rampant will naturally lead those without it to push hard for it. Yet The Daily Mail has calculated that the average player salary in M.L.S. ranks 22nd among the world’s soccer leagues, a fraction of the average in top competitions like England’s Premier League and Germany’s Bundesliga. No wonder M.L.S. players want more. The question is: How far will they go to get it? The 1994 baseball players’ strike came at the expense of the World Series. The N.H.L. has locked out its players <hl> three <hl> times, once for a full season.


Question: Where was Emily living?

On a quiet Friday morning in November 2010, Sandy sat down with a mug of honey-ginger tea to read two books that Daryl had brought her. By this point, a year and a half after her amnestic M.C.I. diagnosis, she had progressed to what Duffy said was Alzheimer’s disease. She had retired from Cornell, but she was doing well. She could still travel alone to familiar destinations, including Austin, Tex., where Emily was living. Jeremy had temporarily moved back home to be with her. She could read novels, even difficult ones like Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” She played tennis, gardened and went for walks around Ithaca with a handful of friends, most of them former colleagues from Cornell. She saw a few psychotherapy patients. One would later say that even though Sandy was having some trouble remembering words, “it didn’t really matter. In a therapy relationship you’re talking more about emotions — and in that regard, she didn’t miss a beat.”

Answer: Austin, Tex

On a quiet Friday morning in November 2010, Sandy sat down with a mug of honey-ginger tea to read two books that Daryl had brought her. By this point, a year and a half after her amnestic M.C.I. diagnosis, she had progressed to what Duffy said was Alzheimer’s disease. She had retired from Cornell, but she was doing well. <hl> She could still travel alone to familiar destinations, including Austin, Tex ., where Emily was living. <hl> Jeremy had temporarily moved back home to be with her. She could read novels, even difficult ones like Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” She played tennis, gardened and went for walks around Ithaca with a handful of friends, most of them former colleagues from Cornell. She saw a few psychotherapy patients. One would later say that even though Sandy was having some trouble remembering words, “it didn’t really matter. In a therapy relationship you’re talking more about emotions — and in that regard, she didn’t miss a beat.”

On a quiet Friday morning in November 2010, Sandy sat down with a mug of honey-ginger tea to read two books that Daryl had brought her. By this point, a year and a half after her amnestic M.C.I. diagnosis, she had progressed to what Duffy said was Alzheimer’s disease. She had retired from Cornell, but she was doing well. She could still travel alone to familiar destinations, including <hl> Austin, Tex <hl>., where Emily was living. Jeremy had temporarily moved back home to be with her. She could read novels, even difficult ones like Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” She played tennis, gardened and went for walks around Ithaca with a handful of friends, most of them former colleagues from Cornell. She saw a few psychotherapy patients. One would later say that even though Sandy was having some trouble remembering words, “it didn’t really matter. In a therapy relationship you’re talking more about emotions — and in that regard, she didn’t miss a beat.”

She could still travel alone to familiar destinations, including <hl> Austin, Tex <hl> ., where Emily was living.


Question: Why was Huckabee's first campaign potentially easier than this one?

The biggest question in voters’ minds about Mr. Huckabee, 59, who seemed to add a final punctuation mark to his political career by skipping the 2012 presidential race, may be why he has returned to the fray. Although American politics is full of stories of the ultimate triumph of also-rans, from Richard M. Nixon to Ronald Reagan, Mr. Huckabee would seem to face greater obstacles than during his first presidential campaign, when he battled only a couple of rivals for the party’s conservative base. Now half a dozen or more declared and likely candidates appeal to social conservatives, and Mr. Huckabee’s party has moved further rightward. He is vulnerable to criticism for positions he once held in favor of the Common Core education standards and a cap-and-trade program to fight global warming.

Answer: he battled only a couple of rivals for the party’s conservative base

The biggest question in voters’ minds about Mr. Huckabee, 59, who seemed to add a final punctuation mark to his political career by skipping the 2012 presidential race, may be why he has returned to the fray. <hl> Although American politics is full of stories of the ultimate triumph of also-rans, from Richard M. Nixon to Ronald Reagan, Mr. Huckabee would seem to face greater obstacles than during his first presidential campaign, when he battled only a couple of rivals for the party’s conservative base . <hl> Now half a dozen or more declared and likely candidates appeal to social conservatives, and Mr. Huckabee’s party has moved further rightward. He is vulnerable to criticism for positions he once held in favor of the Common Core education standards and a cap-and-trade program to fight global warming.

The biggest question in voters’ minds about Mr. Huckabee, 59, who seemed to add a final punctuation mark to his political career by skipping the 2012 presidential race, may be why he has returned to the fray. Although American politics is full of stories of the ultimate triumph of also-rans, from Richard M. Nixon to Ronald Reagan, Mr. Huckabee would seem to face greater obstacles than during his first presidential campaign, when <hl> he battled only a couple of rivals for the party’s conservative base <hl>. Now half a dozen or more declared and likely candidates appeal to social conservatives, and Mr. Huckabee’s party has moved further rightward. He is vulnerable to criticism for positions he once held in favor of the Common Core education standards and a cap-and-trade program to fight global warming.

Although American politics is full of stories of the ultimate triumph of also-rans, from Richard M. Nixon to Ronald Reagan, Mr. Huckabee would seem to face greater obstacles than during his first presidential campaign, when <hl> he battled only a couple of rivals for the party’s conservative base <hl> .


Question: Which generation uses a different "year one"?

Mr. Huang was inspired to build the museum after seeing the impressive Kuomintang history museum in Santikhiri, in Chiang Rai Province, the country’s most prominent Kuomintang village. “We can’t forget the history,” he said. “We can’t throw our forebears away. Regardless of what happens with China and Taiwan in the future, we are all Chinese people. We can’t forget our Chinese roots.” It is a sentiment shared by much of the older generation in Ban Rak Thai, who still speak of the past in terms of the traditional minguo calendar, which takes 1912 — the year the Republic of China was founded — as year one.

Answer: older

Mr. Huang was inspired to build the museum after seeing the impressive Kuomintang history museum in Santikhiri, in Chiang Rai Province, the country’s most prominent Kuomintang village. “We can’t forget the history,” he said. “We can’t throw our forebears away. Regardless of what happens with China and Taiwan in the future, we are all Chinese people. We can’t forget our Chinese roots.” <hl> It is a sentiment shared by much of the older generation in Ban Rak Thai, who still speak of the past in terms of the traditional minguo calendar, which takes 1912 — the year the Republic of China was founded — as year one. <hl>

Mr. Huang was inspired to build the museum after seeing the impressive Kuomintang history museum in Santikhiri, in Chiang Rai Province, the country’s most prominent Kuomintang village. “We can’t forget the history,” he said. “We can’t throw our forebears away. Regardless of what happens with China and Taiwan in the future, we are all Chinese people. We can’t forget our Chinese roots.” It is a sentiment shared by much of the <hl> older <hl> generation in Ban Rak Thai, who still speak of the past in terms of the traditional minguo calendar, which takes 1912 — the year the Republic of China was founded — as year one.


Question: Who is the contributor?

Answer: Kevin Carey

Parents and prospective students often think of colleges as cohesive institutions, each with their own cultures and academic standards. To attend, say, the University of North Carolina — regardless of what you study — is supposed to mean something different from attending nearby Duke, North Carolina State or a faraway college. In reality, colleges are much less cohesive than many outsiders realize, especially when it comes to academics. Many instead resemble a collection of disparate departments — or even just disparate professors — who happen to work on the same campus. These disparate groups rarely interact, share little in common and face little accountability. Yes, higher education is generally worth it, by any empirical definition, as I’ve often written. But higher education is also full of expensive, damaging inefficiencies and inconsistencies. <hl> Our contributor Kevin Carey has written an important and eye-opening piece on this subject, and I encourage you to read it. <hl> He starts the piece with a notorious football scandal but goes far beyond sports and scandal. Colleges, Kevin writes, “are not coherent academic enterprises with consistent standards of classroom excellence. When it comes to exerting influence over teaching and learning, they’re Easter eggs. They barely exist.” Let us know what you think of his argument, in the comments section at the bottom or through Facebook or Twitter. And I hope you enjoy your weekend. David Leonhardt

Parents and prospective students often think of colleges as cohesive institutions, each with their own cultures and academic standards. To attend, say, the University of North Carolina — regardless of what you study — is supposed to mean something different from attending nearby Duke, North Carolina State or a faraway college. In reality, colleges are much less cohesive than many outsiders realize, especially when it comes to academics. Many instead resemble a collection of disparate departments — or even just disparate professors — who happen to work on the same campus. These disparate groups rarely interact, share little in common and face little accountability. Yes, higher education is generally worth it, by any empirical definition, as I’ve often written. But higher education is also full of expensive, damaging inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Our contributor <hl> Kevin Carey <hl> has written an important and eye-opening piece on this subject, and I encourage you to read it. He starts the piece with a notorious football scandal but goes far beyond sports and scandal. Colleges, Kevin writes, “are not coherent academic enterprises with consistent standards of classroom excellence. When it comes to exerting influence over teaching and learning, they’re Easter eggs. They barely exist.” Let us know what you think of his argument, in the comments section at the bottom or through Facebook or Twitter. And I hope you enjoy your weekend. David Leonhardt


Question: When does Yoko Ono's MoMA show end?

In 1971, Yoko Ono gave herself an imaginary solo show at MoMA by means of a few cut-and-paste photographs and some strategically placed newspaper advertisements. More than 40 years later, the real thing has come to pass and it was worth the wait. Enhanced by films and a soundtrack, the show is largely archival, with lots of works on paper, including the 151 hand-typed note cards that, in 1964, became “Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings,” and demonstrate how radical this artist’s early experiments with language and performance were. A 2015 sculpture rounds things out. Sure to put you off balance, it’s a reminder of what a wake-up-to-life call that art can be, a message that this underestimated artist has been delivering for years. Holland Cotter (Through Sept. 7. Read the full review, or find more at moma.org.) ‘The Look of Silence’

Answer: Sept. 7

Holland Cotter (Through Sept. 7 .

In 1971, Yoko Ono gave herself an imaginary solo show at MoMA by means of a few cut-and-paste photographs and some strategically placed newspaper advertisements. More than 40 years later, the real thing has come to pass and it was worth the wait. Enhanced by films and a soundtrack, the show is largely archival, with lots of works on paper, including the 151 hand-typed note cards that, in 1964, became “Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings,” and demonstrate how radical this artist’s early experiments with language and performance were. A 2015 sculpture rounds things out. Sure to put you off balance, it’s a reminder of what a wake-up-to-life call that art can be, a message that this underestimated artist has been delivering for years. <hl> Holland Cotter (Through Sept. 7 . <hl> Read the full review, or find more at moma.org.) ‘The Look of Silence’

In 1971, Yoko Ono gave herself an imaginary solo show at MoMA by means of a few cut-and-paste photographs and some strategically placed newspaper advertisements. More than 40 years later, the real thing has come to pass and it was worth the wait. Enhanced by films and a soundtrack, the show is largely archival, with lots of works on paper, including the 151 hand-typed note cards that, in 1964, became “Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings,” and demonstrate how radical this artist’s early experiments with language and performance were. A 2015 sculpture rounds things out. Sure to put you off balance, it’s a reminder of what a wake-up-to-life call that art can be, a message that this underestimated artist has been delivering for years. Holland Cotter (Through <hl> Sept. 7 <hl>. Read the full review, or find more at moma.org.) ‘The Look of Silence’

Holland Cotter (Through <hl> Sept. 7 <hl> .


Question: Signs that the Fed is getting closer to raising its benchmark interest rate has helped what country's currency to soar against counterparts?

The diverging paths of the two central banks prompted investors to put money into dollars, on the expectation that interest rates in the United States will rise and offer a better return than in Europe, where interest rates are falling. The euro fell to 1.20 against the dollar on Friday, its lowest since June 2010, while the yield, or market interest rate, on German two-year government bonds fell to a new low of minus 0.11 percent. The yield has been below zero since September; investors were willing to effectively pay the German government to keep their money safe. The larger picture is not merely that the dollar is gaining against the euro. Signs that the Fed is getting closer to raising its benchmark interest rate from zero have helped the United States currency to soar against its counterparts in Japan, Britain and in major emerging markets. Against a broad basket of currencies, the dollar has risen more than 13 percent since September to its highest level in almost six years.

Answer: United States

<hl> The diverging paths of the two central banks prompted investors to put money into dollars, on the expectation that interest rates in the United States will rise and offer a better return than in Europe, where interest rates are falling. <hl> The euro fell to 1.20 against the dollar on Friday, its lowest since June 2010, while the yield, or market interest rate, on German two-year government bonds fell to a new low of minus 0.11 percent. The yield has been below zero since September; investors were willing to effectively pay the German government to keep their money safe. The larger picture is not merely that the dollar is gaining against the euro. Signs that the Fed is getting closer to raising its benchmark interest rate from zero have helped the United States currency to soar against its counterparts in Japan, Britain and in major emerging markets. Against a broad basket of currencies, the dollar has risen more than 13 percent since September to its highest level in almost six years.

The diverging paths of the two central banks prompted investors to put money into dollars, on the expectation that interest rates in the <hl> United States <hl> will rise and offer a better return than in Europe, where interest rates are falling. The euro fell to 1.20 against the dollar on Friday, its lowest since June 2010, while the yield, or market interest rate, on German two-year government bonds fell to a new low of minus 0.11 percent. The yield has been below zero since September; investors were willing to effectively pay the German government to keep their money safe. The larger picture is not merely that the dollar is gaining against the euro. Signs that the Fed is getting closer to raising its benchmark interest rate from zero have helped the United States currency to soar against its counterparts in Japan, Britain and in major emerging markets. Against a broad basket of currencies, the dollar has risen more than 13 percent since September to its highest level in almost six years.


Question: Did Dawkins listen to advice?

With a sculpted physique, inordinate strength and an unusually accurate jump shot for a man his size, Dawkins was expected to be a star in the league for years to come, drawing comparisons to Wilt Chamberlain. He was mischievous and flamboyant — he was known to wear an electric lime-green suit — and fond of rhyming and hyperbolic fantasy musings. (He invented the Planet Lovetron business when he was in high school.) But immature, not technically adept around the basket and resistant to the entreaties of his coaches, Gene Shue and later Billy Cunningham — “I was uncoachable,” he admitted years later — he began his career in the shadows of other N.B.A. big men like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Lanier and Wesley Unseld.

Answer: “I was uncoachable,”

With a sculpted physique, inordinate strength and an unusually accurate jump shot for a man his size, Dawkins was expected to be a star in the league for years to come, drawing comparisons to Wilt Chamberlain. He was mischievous and flamboyant — he was known to wear an electric lime-green suit — and fond of rhyming and hyperbolic fantasy musings. (He invented the Planet Lovetron business when he was in high school.) <hl> But immature, not technically adept around the basket and resistant to the entreaties of his coaches, Gene Shue and later Billy Cunningham — “I was uncoachable,” he admitted years later — he began his career in the shadows of other N.B.A. big men like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Lanier and Wesley Unseld. <hl>

With a sculpted physique, inordinate strength and an unusually accurate jump shot for a man his size, Dawkins was expected to be a star in the league for years to come, drawing comparisons to Wilt Chamberlain. He was mischievous and flamboyant — he was known to wear an electric lime-green suit — and fond of rhyming and hyperbolic fantasy musings. (He invented the Planet Lovetron business when he was in high school.) But immature, not technically adept around the basket and resistant to the entreaties of his coaches, Gene Shue and later Billy Cunningham — <hl> “I was uncoachable,” <hl> he admitted years later — he began his career in the shadows of other N.B.A. big men like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Lanier and Wesley Unseld.


Question: Which area did the Taliban overtake three weeks ago?

KABUL, Afghanistan —  With the Afghan security forces gravely challenged by Taliban offensives, the government is moving to rapidly expand the troubled Afghan Local Police program by thousands of members, Afghan and Western officials say. The move to expand the police militias, prompted by the disastrous loss of the northern city of Kunduz to the Taliban almost three weeks ago, is being described by officials speaking privately as an attempt to head off panic in Afghan cities threatened by the insurgents. But the expansion also amounts to an open admission that the United States’ main legacy in Afghanistan — the creation of nationalized police and army forces numbering more than 350,000 members — is failing under pressure even before any final American military withdrawal. On Thursday, President Obama called off that pullout, originally due at year’s end, leaving 9,800 American troops in the country for at least another year.

Answer: city of Kunduz

KABUL, Afghanistan — With the Afghan security forces gravely challenged by Taliban offensives, the government is moving to rapidly expand the troubled Afghan Local Police program by thousands of members, Afghan and Western officials say. <hl> The move to expand the police militias, prompted by the disastrous loss of the northern city of Kunduz to the Taliban almost three weeks ago, is being described by officials speaking privately as an attempt to head off panic in Afghan cities threatened by the insurgents. <hl> But the expansion also amounts to an open admission that the United States’ main legacy in Afghanistan — the creation of nationalized police and army forces numbering more than 350,000 members — is failing under pressure even before any final American military withdrawal. On Thursday, President Obama called off that pullout, originally due at year’s end, leaving 9,800 American troops in the country for at least another year.

KABUL, Afghanistan — With the Afghan security forces gravely challenged by Taliban offensives, the government is moving to rapidly expand the troubled Afghan Local Police program by thousands of members, Afghan and Western officials say. The move to expand the police militias, prompted by the disastrous loss of the northern <hl> city of Kunduz <hl> to the Taliban almost three weeks ago, is being described by officials speaking privately as an attempt to head off panic in Afghan cities threatened by the insurgents. But the expansion also amounts to an open admission that the United States’ main legacy in Afghanistan — the creation of nationalized police and army forces numbering more than 350,000 members — is failing under pressure even before any final American military withdrawal. On Thursday, President Obama called off that pullout, originally due at year’s end, leaving 9,800 American troops in the country for at least another year.


Question: What were people protesting?

Laxman Lal Karna, a Madhesi political leader, said talks would not progress unless a curfew in parts of the southern plains was lifted and soldiers, who have been patrolling some of towns, returned to their barracks. In the past month, at least 36 people have been killed in protests over the draft constitution, including 11 police officers and a 2-year-old child. Schools, workplaces and shops have been shut for nearly a month in many of the southern districts.

Answer: the draft constitution

Laxman Lal Karna, a Madhesi political leader, said talks would not progress unless a curfew in parts of the southern plains was lifted and soldiers, who have been patrolling some of towns, returned to their barracks. <hl> In the past month, at least 36 people have been killed in protests over the draft constitution , including 11 police officers and a 2-year-old child. <hl> Schools, workplaces and shops have been shut for nearly a month in many of the southern districts.

Laxman Lal Karna, a Madhesi political leader, said talks would not progress unless a curfew in parts of the southern plains was lifted and soldiers, who have been patrolling some of towns, returned to their barracks. In the past month, at least 36 people have been killed in protests over <hl> the draft constitution <hl>, including 11 police officers and a 2-year-old child. Schools, workplaces and shops have been shut for nearly a month in many of the southern districts.

In the past month, at least 36 people have been killed in protests over <hl> the draft constitution <hl> , including 11 police officers and a 2-year-old child.


Question: What is the name of Red Bull's aerodynamics guru?

The other teams fear that with a better engine, the Red Bull aerodynamics guru, Adrian Newey, who has been responsible for designing many of the championship-winning cars of the last two decades — at Red Bull and previously at Williams and McLaren — would trump them again. The ongoing saga began to unfold in July, when Red Bull, dissatisfied with its Renault engine’s inferior power in the new downsized, hybrid, turbo formula, said it would drop its Renault engine a year before the end of their contract. The French manufacturer had powered Red Bull to all of its championships successes. But it had long felt that it had not received enough credit for those victories, and so when it was jilted by Red Bull, it was loath to help Red Bull find a replacement engine. At the same time, Renault had moved on to a new project that involved possibly buying the Lotus team and returning to the series as a full-fledged car and engine manufacturer. Red Bull, meanwhile, had announced that it was dropping the Renault engine after it had entered into what it considered was an agreement to use the best engine of the new era, made by Mercedes. But Mercedes later said that there was no agreement. Mercedes had indeed spoken to Red Bull directors, the German manufacturer claimed, but any possibility of a deal fell apart because the directors had overlooked some important negotiating points. One of those points involved the eventuality that with a Mercedes engine Red Bull might beat the Mercedes team and therefore Mercedes could benefit, rather than suffer, from the situation through marketing. “We wanted to know from Red Bull about shared ideas and marketing campaigns we could develop for a common future,” said Toto Wolff, the Mercedes motorsport director. “But nothing came out of it. And so the issue was taken care of from our side.” Finding itself with no Renault or Mercedes engine, the Red Bull team turned to Ferrari. But Red Bull wanted to have exactly the same engine that the Ferrari team uses. After starting poorly last season, the Italian manufacturer’s engine has improved this year to the point of being the second-best in the series.

Answer: Adrian Newey

<hl> The other teams fear that with a better engine, the Red Bull aerodynamics guru, Adrian Newey , who has been responsible for designing many of the championship-winning cars of the last two decades — at Red Bull and previously at Williams and McLaren — would trump them again. <hl> The ongoing saga began to unfold in July, when Red Bull, dissatisfied with its Renault engine’s inferior power in the new downsized, hybrid, turbo formula, said it would drop its Renault engine a year before the end of their contract. The French manufacturer had powered Red Bull to all of its championships successes. But it had long felt that it had not received enough credit for those victories, and so when it was jilted by Red Bull, it was loath to help Red Bull find a replacement engine. At the same time, Renault had moved on to a new project that involved possibly buying the Lotus team and returning to the series as a full-fledged car and engine manufacturer. Red Bull, meanwhile, had announced that it was dropping the Renault engine after it had entered into what it considered was an agreement to use the best engine of the new era, made by Mercedes. But Mercedes later said that there was no agreement. Mercedes had indeed spoken to Red Bull directors, the German manufacturer claimed, but any possibility of a deal fell apart because the directors had overlooked some important negotiating points. One of those points involved the eventuality that with a Mercedes engine Red Bull might beat the Mercedes team and therefore Mercedes could benefit, rather than suffer, from the situation through marketing. “We wanted to know from Red Bull about shared ideas and marketing campaigns we could develop for a common future,” said Toto Wolff, the Mercedes motorsport director. “But nothing came out of it. And so the issue was taken care of from our side.” Finding itself with no Renault or Mercedes engine, the Red Bull team turned to Ferrari. But Red Bull wanted to have exactly the same engine that the Ferrari team uses. After starting poorly last season, the Italian manufacturer’s engine has improved this year to the point of being the second-best in the series.

The other teams fear that with a better engine, the Red Bull aerodynamics guru, <hl> Adrian Newey <hl>, who has been responsible for designing many of the championship-winning cars of the last two decades — at Red Bull and previously at Williams and McLaren — would trump them again. The ongoing saga began to unfold in July, when Red Bull, dissatisfied with its Renault engine’s inferior power in the new downsized, hybrid, turbo formula, said it would drop its Renault engine a year before the end of their contract. The French manufacturer had powered Red Bull to all of its championships successes. But it had long felt that it had not received enough credit for those victories, and so when it was jilted by Red Bull, it was loath to help Red Bull find a replacement engine. At the same time, Renault had moved on to a new project that involved possibly buying the Lotus team and returning to the series as a full-fledged car and engine manufacturer. Red Bull, meanwhile, had announced that it was dropping the Renault engine after it had entered into what it considered was an agreement to use the best engine of the new era, made by Mercedes. But Mercedes later said that there was no agreement. Mercedes had indeed spoken to Red Bull directors, the German manufacturer claimed, but any possibility of a deal fell apart because the directors had overlooked some important negotiating points. One of those points involved the eventuality that with a Mercedes engine Red Bull might beat the Mercedes team and therefore Mercedes could benefit, rather than suffer, from the situation through marketing. “We wanted to know from Red Bull about shared ideas and marketing campaigns we could develop for a common future,” said Toto Wolff, the Mercedes motorsport director. “But nothing came out of it. And so the issue was taken care of from our side.” Finding itself with no Renault or Mercedes engine, the Red Bull team turned to Ferrari. But Red Bull wanted to have exactly the same engine that the Ferrari team uses. After starting poorly last season, the Italian manufacturer’s engine has improved this year to the point of being the second-best in the series.

The other teams fear that with a better engine, the Red Bull aerodynamics guru, <hl> Adrian Newey <hl> , who has been responsible for designing many of the championship-winning cars of the last two decades — at Red Bull and previously at Williams and McLaren — would trump them again.


Question: What is wanted to "stay out of sports"?

Ecclestone actually said this was sport, not politics. He held his race and stood side-by-side with Putin last October. Sochi, of course, hosted the 2014 Winter Games, despite concerns at the time about corruption, spiraling costs, terrorism and Russian legislation that was criticized as anti-gay. “Keep politics from our sport” was and still is the message. Putin has already stated that the Kremlin will waive visa restrictions for the World Cup. Blatter will soon run, and most likely easily win, another four-year term as FIFA president, taking him through the 2018 event. He will accept that mantle with his customary lecture about soccer overcoming all the beastly differences that mankind makes for itself.

Answer: politics

<hl> Ecclestone actually said this was sport, not politics . <hl> He held his race and stood side-by-side with Putin last October. Sochi, of course, hosted the 2014 Winter Games, despite concerns at the time about corruption, spiraling costs, terrorism and Russian legislation that was criticized as anti-gay. “Keep politics from our sport” was and still is the message. Putin has already stated that the Kremlin will waive visa restrictions for the World Cup. Blatter will soon run, and most likely easily win, another four-year term as FIFA president, taking him through the 2018 event. He will accept that mantle with his customary lecture about soccer overcoming all the beastly differences that mankind makes for itself.

Ecclestone actually said this was sport, not <hl> politics <hl>. He held his race and stood side-by-side with Putin last October. Sochi, of course, hosted the 2014 Winter Games, despite concerns at the time about corruption, spiraling costs, terrorism and Russian legislation that was criticized as anti-gay. “Keep politics from our sport” was and still is the message. Putin has already stated that the Kremlin will waive visa restrictions for the World Cup. Blatter will soon run, and most likely easily win, another four-year term as FIFA president, taking him through the 2018 event. He will accept that mantle with his customary lecture about soccer overcoming all the beastly differences that mankind makes for itself.

Ecclestone actually said this was sport, not <hl> politics <hl> .


Question: What did Sgt Michael Faranda admire about Ukrainians willingness despite lack of prepartion??

In the first two weeks of training, the Americans found the Ukrainians’ soldierly skills lacking, and the group generally in need of instruction. “I came into it expecting them not to know much of the basics,” said Sgt. Michael Faranda, who is teaching maneuvers. He was correct. Things “every soldier should know,” he said, they did not. Some even forgot their helmets on the first day of exercises. Still, Sergeant Faranda said, the Ukrainians’ willingness to go into combat was all the more notable for their lack of preparation for it.

Answer: go into combat

In the first two weeks of training, the Americans found the Ukrainians’ soldierly skills lacking, and the group generally in need of instruction. “I came into it expecting them not to know much of the basics,” said Sgt. Michael Faranda, who is teaching maneuvers. He was correct. Things “every soldier should know,” he said, they did not. Some even forgot their helmets on the first day of exercises. <hl> Still, Sergeant Faranda said, the Ukrainians’ willingness to go into combat was all the more notable for their lack of preparation for it. <hl>

In the first two weeks of training, the Americans found the Ukrainians’ soldierly skills lacking, and the group generally in need of instruction. “I came into it expecting them not to know much of the basics,” said Sgt. Michael Faranda, who is teaching maneuvers. He was correct. Things “every soldier should know,” he said, they did not. Some even forgot their helmets on the first day of exercises. Still, Sergeant Faranda said, the Ukrainians’ willingness to <hl> go into combat <hl> was all the more notable for their lack of preparation for it.


Question: Who played the finger symbols?

This week, Tony Waag, the perpetually cheerful director of the American Tap Dance Foundation, presides over Tap City, a festival now in its 15th year. On Wednesday in “Tap Forward,” a program highlighting contemporary tappers at the intimate Duke on 42nd Street, there was even a flash from the past: The veteran Brenda Bufalino showed off her polished finish as she quietly blended in and out of a groove in “Strayhorn Medley.” Several “Tap Forward” offerings, despite the progressive-sounding title, ran toward the conservative. When Mr. Waag’s lineup did step out of the box, as with “Shiva’s Dance Yoga,” a kathak performance by Rachna Nivas, who sang, played the finger symbols and danced, the inclusion felt random — it wasn’t tap — and her execution uneven. There were musical theater numbers with pasted-on smiles, and a sand dance in Susan Hebach’s “Nica’s Dream,” in which performers shuffle their feet on grains of sand. Here, three sand dancers were accompanied by four tap dancers; but they needed more variety, not backup dancers.

Answer: Rachna Nivas

This week, Tony Waag, the perpetually cheerful director of the American Tap Dance Foundation, presides over Tap City, a festival now in its 15th year. On Wednesday in “Tap Forward,” a program highlighting contemporary tappers at the intimate Duke on 42nd Street, there was even a flash from the past: The veteran Brenda Bufalino showed off her polished finish as she quietly blended in and out of a groove in “Strayhorn Medley.” Several “Tap Forward” offerings, despite the progressive-sounding title, ran toward the conservative. <hl> When Mr. Waag’s lineup did step out of the box, as with “Shiva’s Dance Yoga,” a kathak performance by Rachna Nivas , who sang, played the finger symbols and danced, the inclusion felt random — it wasn’t tap — and her execution uneven. <hl> There were musical theater numbers with pasted-on smiles, and a sand dance in Susan Hebach’s “Nica’s Dream,” in which performers shuffle their feet on grains of sand. Here, three sand dancers were accompanied by four tap dancers; but they needed more variety, not backup dancers.

This week, Tony Waag, the perpetually cheerful director of the American Tap Dance Foundation, presides over Tap City, a festival now in its 15th year. On Wednesday in “Tap Forward,” a program highlighting contemporary tappers at the intimate Duke on 42nd Street, there was even a flash from the past: The veteran Brenda Bufalino showed off her polished finish as she quietly blended in and out of a groove in “Strayhorn Medley.” Several “Tap Forward” offerings, despite the progressive-sounding title, ran toward the conservative. When Mr. Waag’s lineup did step out of the box, as with “Shiva’s Dance Yoga,” a kathak performance by <hl> Rachna Nivas <hl>, who sang, played the finger symbols and danced, the inclusion felt random — it wasn’t tap — and her execution uneven. There were musical theater numbers with pasted-on smiles, and a sand dance in Susan Hebach’s “Nica’s Dream,” in which performers shuffle their feet on grains of sand. Here, three sand dancers were accompanied by four tap dancers; but they needed more variety, not backup dancers.

When Mr. Waag’s lineup did step out of the box, as with “Shiva’s Dance Yoga,” a kathak performance by <hl> Rachna Nivas <hl> , who sang, played the finger symbols and danced, the inclusion felt random — it wasn’t tap — and her execution uneven.


Question: What type of potatoes are required for the meal?

Here is the plan for the next few days. Settle the Thanksgiving menu. (Our menu planner will help with that, and our guide to cooking the meal will answer any questions you have on how to execute it.) Pick up your turkey and set it in the refrigerator to thaw or keep. If you’re brining the bird, you can do that on Tuesday. There’s no need to start now. Go shopping: potatoes both white and sweet; squash; onions; bacon; cauliflower; apples; cranberries; a lot of unsalted butter; flour, both of the all-purpose variety (for pies) and of the finely milled sort (for gravy, because it doesn’t lump); cornmeal; eggs; a case of sparkling water; wine; bourbon; anything you’ll need that will keep for a few days in the pantry or fridge. You can lay in herbs and other perishables on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Answer: both white and sweet

Here is the plan for the next few days. Settle the Thanksgiving menu. (Our menu planner will help with that, and our guide to cooking the meal will answer any questions you have on how to execute it.) Pick up your turkey and set it in the refrigerator to thaw or keep. If you’re brining the bird, you can do that on Tuesday. There’s no need to start now. <hl> Go shopping: potatoes both white and sweet ; squash; onions; bacon; cauliflower; apples; cranberries; a lot of unsalted butter; flour, both of the all-purpose variety (for pies) and of the finely milled sort (for gravy, because it doesn’t lump); cornmeal; eggs; a case of sparkling water; wine; bourbon; anything you’ll need that will keep for a few days in the pantry or fridge. <hl> You can lay in herbs and other perishables on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Here is the plan for the next few days. Settle the Thanksgiving menu. (Our menu planner will help with that, and our guide to cooking the meal will answer any questions you have on how to execute it.) Pick up your turkey and set it in the refrigerator to thaw or keep. If you’re brining the bird, you can do that on Tuesday. There’s no need to start now. Go shopping: potatoes <hl> both white and sweet <hl>; squash; onions; bacon; cauliflower; apples; cranberries; a lot of unsalted butter; flour, both of the all-purpose variety (for pies) and of the finely milled sort (for gravy, because it doesn’t lump); cornmeal; eggs; a case of sparkling water; wine; bourbon; anything you’ll need that will keep for a few days in the pantry or fridge. You can lay in herbs and other perishables on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Go shopping: potatoes <hl> both white and sweet <hl> ; squash; onions; bacon; cauliflower; apples; cranberries; a lot of unsalted butter; flour, both of the all-purpose variety (for pies) and of the finely milled sort (for gravy, because it doesn’t lump); cornmeal; eggs; a case of sparkling water; wine; bourbon; anything you’ll need that will keep for a few days in the pantry or fridge.