just not sure

Wha’ Happen? It was damn near 60 one day and the next I am under six blankets and two cats. Why didn’t someone warn me?

But seriously, along with cuts on all other parts of the safety net, LIHEAP (low income home energy assistance program) has taken some hits. I am honestly not sure if there is a way to contribute to help the poor get heat. What I do know is that according to Jerry McKim, Iowa’s LIHEAP director, the average award in Iowa is around $461. As we all know that may cover about half of the season if we are lucky.

For those who are warm, drinking a cup of coffee and ready to test the short term memory, let’s go to the quiz:

1) The legislature of what state voted for a major overhaul of their public employees retirement system that has been poorly funded by the legislature over the years?

2) Governor Branstad said flat tax is the way to go. But which state senator disagreed saying reform must be fair for all, not just the rich?

3) “Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy.” Who uttered those famous words?

4) What was the reason that date “will live in infamy.”?

5) Pres. Obama said this would be working by December 1 and by golly it was. What was working?

6) In Latin, decem mean 10 as in december is the 10th month. Why then is it actually the 12th month?

7) Talk about a train wreck! Where was the train headed that derail trying to go 80mph around a curve designed for 30mph?

8) December 6th, 1973 Gerald Ford was sworn in as Vice-President. Who did he replace and why?

9) In other December news of the past – in 1933 Americans just couldn’t wipe the smile off their collective faces on the 5th of December. Why?

10) Democrats in Iowa were saddened to hear of the pending divorce of what politician?

11) The Pope pops into the news again. This time he riled up right wing politicians by condemning what?

12) Heads up! That package you ordered from Amazon may be delivered by what in the future?

13) The Obama administration is pushing hard to bring an end to what secretive negotiations by the end of this year?

14) Thursday fast food workers across the United States went on strike. What wage are they looking for?

15) Florida State got an early Christmas present when Florida’s state attorney decided not to prosecute the quarterback on rape charges. Who is the quarterback?

In the background we hear the mournful wail of the vuvuzela tribute to Mandiba, Nelson Mandela. Rest in Peace.

Answers:

1) Illinois

2) Sen. Bolkcom

3) Pres. Franklin Roosevelt

4) The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

5) healthcare.gov.

6) a couple of months were carved out of the calendar by Romans to honor Julius and Augustus Caesar – summer months of course.

7) New York City

8) VP Spiro Agnew who resigned pleading nolo contendere to some long standing bribery charges.

9) Prohibition ended

10) Tyler Olson

11) market based capitalism

12) drones

13) trans-Pacific partnership

14) $15/hr.

15) Jameis Winston