The Nov. 24 News Quiz: How Old is Joe Biden?

Joe Biden was born on Nov. 20, 1942, just days before the classic film “Casablanca” premiered. Biden, stepping onto the world stage in Scranton, Pennsylvania, became the oldest President of the United States. He celebrated his 81st birthday with the traditional Thanksgiving turkey pardon.

Qatar emerged as an effective mediator between Israel and Hamas. This small but influential Gulf state, known for its soccer passion and soaring skyscrapers, became a peacemaker. The truce, agreed upon on Nov. 22, 2023, a 4-day ceasefire, is intended to facilitate the exchange of 50 hostages held in Gaza for 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israel. This agreement also opened the gates for much-needed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.

Susan Sarandon, an Oscar-winning actress known for her iconic films and political activism roles, was in a whirlwind of controversy amid her participation in several pro-Palestinian rallies. Sarandon’s remarks, particularly her statement that “There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country,” led to her being dropped by United Talent Agency (UTA), a significant move in the industry.

When Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter/X, tweeted his agreement with a controversial statement accusing Jewish people of “hating white people” in November 2023, major companies like IBM, Apple, Lionsgate, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Paramount Global, Warner Bros Discovery, and The Walt Disney Company announced they have stopped advertising on the platform. Soon after, X announced it was suing Media Matters, an organization monitoring hate speech in social media, for defamation.

After the dramatic boardroom shuffle at OpenAI, which saw Sam Altman ousted from his CEO throne on Nov. 17, 2023, he didn’t have to wander the tech wilderness for long. While Microsoft swiftly announced they scooped up Altman and his comrade-in-AI, Greg Brockman, by Nov. 22, Altman was back at OpenAI’s CEO seat.

The hat in question, a bicorne hat, was famously worn by Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor known for his military prowess and distinctive fashion style. This particular hat fetched €1.932 million  ($2.1 million) at a Paris auction on Nov. 19, 2023. The hat’s unique sideways style, known as “en bataille,” made Napoleon easily recognizable on the battlefield. It’s one of approximately 20 remaining hats out of 120 that Napoleon is believed to have owned. The hat’s sale set an unprecedented record, surpassing the previous €1.884 million record for a Napoleon hat sold in 2014. The auction occurred amidst renewed interest in Napoleon, partly fueled by Ridley Scott’s biopic starring Joaquin Phoenix.

Napoleon Bonaparte, the central figure of Ridley Scott’s latest cinematic spectacle, died on the remote island of Saint Helena. This was after his rollercoaster career, which saw him rise from the French Revolution to become Emperor of France, only to be defeated at Waterloo in 1815. Following this defeat, the British exiled him to Saint Helena, a tiny dot in the South Atlantic Ocean, where he lived his last years in isolation. He died there on May 5, 1821, far from the glory of the European battlefields he once dominated. Ridley Scott’s film was released on Nov. 22, 2023.

Before Javier Milei, AKA El Loco, became President of Argentina, he was a well-known figure on Argentine television. The far-right libertarian made a name for himself as a financial pundit, a role that allowed him to blend his economic expertise with a flair for the dramatic. Milei was known for his passionate and flamboyant delivery. Milei’s victory in the presidential election, with nearly 56% of the votes in a run-off, proved his popularity and unconventional approach to politics. His swearing-in on Dec. 10 marks the beginning of the next chapter in Argentina’s political history. He has proposed closing several ministries, including culture, women, health, and education, as part of his plan to slash bureaucracy. He has also proposed loosening gun laws, abolishing abortion, and allowing human organ sale and purchase.

Mark Rutte, the answer we’re looking for, has been the face of Dutch politics for what seems like forever but is 13 in actual years. He became Prime Minister on Oct. 14, 2010. Known for his pragmatic leadership and fondness for cycling to work (because, let’s face it, who needs a limo when you have a bike in the Netherlands?), Rutte has been a steady hand at the Dutch political wheel. In July 2023, Rutte announced his resignation. The Dutch parliamentary elections were held on Nov. 22, 2023, paving the way for the first leader to take the helm in over a decade. Forming the next government will probably take months, as no party took over 20% of the vote.

Rosalynn Carter, the compassionate and determined former First Lady, was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999. This is the highest civilian honor in the United States. Bill Clinton recognized her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, which began during her tenure in the White House (1977-1981) and continued robustly afterward. This was not just a token gesture; She was instrumental in the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, transforming American mental health treatment. On Nov. 19, 2023, Rosalynn Carter passed away at 96.

In a recently unearthed BBC interview from 2003, the elusive street artist Banksy revealed his first name was “Robbie.” Despite various theories and guesses over the years, including names like Robin Gunningham, this is the only instance where Banksy has provided any hint about his real name. The interview also sheds light on his distinct approach to art, emphasizing speed and impact, much like the quick convenience of microwaving meals.