TOP OF THE NEWS

1. The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific hoped to have 1.6 million visitors during its first year. How is it doing after 10 months? A. It has already reached its goal. B. It is on target to meet its goal in two months. C. It looks like it will take 14 months to meet its goal.

2. Which local high school won the regional Science Bowl and has sent its team of students to represent Los Angeles in the national Science Bowl? A. Venice High School. B. Van Nuys High School. C. North Hollywood High School.

3. Thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Los Angeles for the 10th annual Fiesta Broadway, one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the country honoring the: A. Anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain. B. Victory of Mexican forces over French troops in Puebla, Mexico, in 1862. C. Start of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

4. “Iron Giant” has been received enthusiastically by screening audiences, and some critics predict it could be a sleeper hit. It is: A. A movie about an armored tank unit during World War I. B. A miniseries about living behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. C. An animated film about a robot from outer space.

5. Until recently, Pink’s hot dogs were available only at the original, family-owned stand in Hollywood. Now, the legendary dogs can be purchased: A. At some Pacific Theatres. B. At several beach locations. C. Just about anywhere.

6. “Soaps” have become a huge success, with sales doubling in two years. What are they? A. Kits for making small motorless racing cars that coast on a ramp. B. Sneakers with a smooth plastic plate so kids can slide in them. C. Quick-read paperbacks that can be finished in 30 minutes.

7. Scientists think a cataclysmic event some 200 million years ago might have split Earth into its present continents and created the Atlantic Ocean. What do they think it was? A. A volcanic eruption. B. An earthquake. C. A collision with a comet.

8. A 50th-anniversary summit for leaders of this alliance of 19 nations was held in Washington, D.C. Which organization was it? A. The Organization of American States. B. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization. C. The United Nations.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 1. Dale Messick 2. John Elway 3. Vivian Ramirez 4. Wilt Chamberlain

A. Former Laker basketball player who had some things to say about the current team, particularly player Shaquille O’Neal and Vice President Jerry West.

B. Denver Bronco quarterback who is retiring after 16 seasons of pro football.

C. Cartoonist who created, wrote and drew the “Brenda Starr, Reporter” cartoon strip for more than 40 years.

D. Local mom who was happy to receive letter from her POW son, Andrew, who is being held captive in Yugoslavia.

ANSWERS:TOP 1-A, 2-C, 3-B, 4-C, 5-A, 6-B, 7-A, 8-B.PEOPLE 1-C, 2-B, 3-D, 4-A.