Roanoke Times News Quiz For Feb. 1

1.

Which of the region's top employers provide some kind of domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples?
- A.
  
  Advance Auto Parts
- B.
  
  Carilion Clinic
- C.
  
  LewisGale Medical Center
- D.
  
  Norfolk Southern Corp.
- E.
  
  All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the above

Explanation
All of the above ... But details differ from company to company, and sometimes within the company. Carilion Clinic -- the region's largest private employer -- has joined the ranks of companies offering domestic partner benefits to employees in same-sex relationships. Among the region's top employers that provide some kind of domestic partner benefits are Advance Auto Parts, Anthem, Wells Fargo, ITT Exelis, Kroger, Norfolk Southern Corp. and LewisGale Medical Center. At Norfolk Southern, both same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners are covered for salaried employees, of which there are about 530 in the Roanoke area. However, the approximately 1,330 hourly employees work under nationally negotiated union contracts, which cover only legally married spouses, NS spokesman Robin Chapman said. Advance Auto offers the benefits to same-sex couples; LewisGale makes them available to same-sex partners and to opposite-sex partners if at least one of them is 62 or older and meets Social Security criteria.
Related story: Same-sex couple has insured partnership through Carilion

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2.

On Feb. 1, Netflix will debut its first original series, “House of Cards," which has a Southwest Virginia connection: Executive producer Dana Brunetti, who grew up in Covington. Which big star plays a corrupt politician in this political drama?
- A.
  
  Harrison Ford
- B.
  
  Kevin Spacey
- C.
  
  George Clooney
- D.
  
  Tommy Lee Jones
Correct Answer
B. Kevin Spacey

Explanation
With “House of Cards,” the subscription streaming service Netflix is presenting its first original drama. The experiment could mean a challenge to traditional television viewing, says series star Kevin Spacey. Executive producer Dana Brunetti, who grew up in Covington, is also president of Spacey’s Los Angeles company, Trigger Street Productions. Related story: 'House of Cards': Gambling on politics, a star and the Internet

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3.

On the fifth birthday of KIVA, children crowd around to make “dirt cupcakes” with crushed sandwich cookies for dirt and gummy worms. Photo by Don Petersen / Special to The Roanoke Times This past weekend, KIVA of Roanoke celebrated five years of holding monthly outdoor play dates for kids and their parents. What does KIVA stand for?

Correct Answer
Kids in the Valley, Adventuring
Kids in the Valley Adventuring

Explanation
Related story: Kids in the Valley, Adventuring celebrates 5th birthday

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4
4.

Heywood Fralin (left) and his son William Fralin participate in Monday’s Roanoke Regional Forum. Photo by Matt Gentry | The Roanoke Times During Monday’s Roanoke Regional Forum, Roanoke business leader and philanthropist Heywood Fralin and his son William Fralin discussed ideas concerning Roanoke's economic development. What do they believe should be the region's top economic development priority?
- A.
  
  Building Interstate 73
- B.
  
  Developing fiber optic cable networks
- C.
  
  Becoming the most business-friendly community in the country
- D.
  
  Supporting Virginia Tech
Correct Answer
A. Building Interstate 73

Explanation
While both Fralins mentioned all of the above as important to the region's economic health, they believe the top priority should be construction of Interstate 73, which would create a major north-south transportation artery through the area. In emphasizing I-73, a project that's hardly budged in Virginia in two decades, Heywood Fralin said the community should unite behind the project and let elected officials know. "Politicians understand what our community demands," he said. "Over a period of time, it will make a difference. They will get the message." Related story: Business leaders tout need to complete Interstate 73

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5.

Check all of the Roanoke-area eateries that have closed in recent weeks.
- A.
  
  Ernie's in downtown Roanoke
- B.
  
  Baja Bistro in southwest Roanoke County
- C.
  
  Jack Brown’s in Roanoke
- D.
  
  Hooters in Roanoke
- E.
  
  Sweet Pete's frozen yogurt in Salem
Correct Answer(s)
A. Ernie's in downtown Roanoke
B. Baja Bistro in southwest Roanoke County
D. Hooters in Roanoke
E. Sweet Pete's frozen yogurt in Salem

Explanation
All of them closed recently, with the exception of Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint, the Harrisonburg restaurant that plans to *open* in the Ernie's space in downtown Roanoke soon. Jack Brown’s specializes in burgers and sells 100 kinds of beer.
Related story: Ernie’s closes, Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint to open

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6.

Matt Gentry | File October 2010 Former Virginia Tech star Tyrod Taylor is a backup quarterback for one of the two teams playing in this weekend's Super Bowl. Which team?
- A.
  
  Baltimore Ravens
- B.
  
  San Francisco 49ers
Correct Answer
A. Baltimore Ravens

Explanation
Related story: Former Virginia Tech star Tyrod Taylor embraces opportunity

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Roanoke Times News Quiz For Feb. 1

Which of the region's top employers provide some kind of domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples?

On Feb. 1, Netflix will debut its first original series, “House of Cards," which has a Southwest Virginia connection: Executive producer Dana Brunetti, who grew up in Covington. Which big star plays a corrupt politician in this political drama?

Check all of the Roanoke-area eateries that have closed in recent weeks.

Matt Gentry | File October 2010 Former Virginia Tech star Tyrod Taylor is a backup quarterback for one of the two teams playing in this weekend's Super Bowl. Which team?