Now that winter in Pittsburgh has ended (???) many snowbirds who spent recent months in Florida are undoubtedly flocking back to enjoy the spring thaw.

For their benefit, and with gratitude to former PG columnist Peter Leo for the format, we present the following news quiz to summarize what they've missed:

1. Squirrel Hill recently lost its Barnes & Noble bookstore and the larger of its two movie theaters, proving:

A) Parking troubles make it hard for city shopping districts to compete with suburban malls.

B) Commercial rents are too high in Squirrel Hill.

C) The idea that Jewish and professional people enjoy books and film is largely a myth.

2. If you are an attractive young woman who has a chance encounter with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, you should:

A) Seek his autograph.

B) Thank him for the two Super Bowls and his charity on behalf of police canines.

C) Ask him if Peyton Manning is really so sexy as he seems on TV commercials and quickly move on.

3. The new response by city officials to warnings of large-scale snowfalls in the future will be to:

A) Consult a well-defined plan for prioritization of snow removal on a 24-hour basis.

B) Immediately alert private contractors of need for their assistance in street plowing.

C) Order up an extra keg for the party.

4. The ongoing "Bonusgate" trial in Harrisburg shows that those interested in legislative staff work should be prepared to:

A) Work long hours to serve taxpayers.

B) Master the political process in order to help create effective legislation.

C) Do extra Christmas shopping for their loved ones with payments received for illegal campaign activity.

5. The Pittsburgh Pirates opened their spring training with an air of:

A) Hope in 2010 for ending a record streak of consecutive losing seasons.

B) Optimism that no matter what happens this year, an infusion of young talent has created a bright future.

C) A description-defying rancid odor that sickens everyone who comes within 100 yards.

6. The most dangerous type of suspect in the eyes of an undercover Pittsburgh police officer in a high-crime area is:

A) A young black man carrying what appears to be a concealed gun.

B) A young black man carrying what appears to be a concealed soft drink.

C) A young black man.

7. The worst thing about a record February snowfall is:

A) The major March flooding certain to follow.

B) The threat of impalement from icicles above.

C) The difficulty finding places to sit at home because all the chairs are out in the street.

8. Penguin Marc-Andre Fleury earned his gold medal as third-string goalie for the Canadian hockey team by:

A) Offering invaluable advice to his teammates while watching games and practice.

B) Cheering loudest for fellow Canadian Sidney Crosby on his Olympic-winning shot in overtime against the U.S. team.

C) Hard to say, but at least he didn't stumble stepping onto the ice like in Detroit during that 2008 Stanley Cup opener.

9. Community College of Allegheny County officials failed to persuade President Barack Obama to be their spring commencement speaker, but they should be credited for:

A) Recognizing the president's oratory skills.

B) Showing students there's nothing wrong with aiming high, even if you sometimes fail.

C) Never inviting George W. Bush to be commencement speaker during his eight years in office.

10. UPMC's closure of its hospital in Braddock shows that:

A) It's difficult to operate modern health care centers in economically disadvantaged areas.

B) Competitive pressures increasingly compel nonprofit entities to make tough business decisions.

C) Poor people, much to their credit and from their innate strength, just don't need health services as much as those who are more affluent.

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