The tradition of fireworks goes back to that prankster John Adams giving old Ben Franklin a hotfoot while old Ben was reading a draft of Tom Jefferson’s masterpiece. Ben hopped around a bit and then went and got some gunpowder, wadded it up in a paper, lit it on fire and threw it back at John. Next thing you know fireworks are a-flying and we won the war. It happened just that way I tell you! Well, it could have happened.

Founding Fathers or Merry Pranksters? Which were they? While you ponder That question I will hit you with some more. There may be a revolutionary question or two in the bunch.

1) We may have asked this before. What other major country shares a national founding day next week?

2) Put on your thinking caps. One hundred years ago yesterday (June 28,1914) what event happened that would greatly affect history?

3) This company said its sales are slumping. That may be good news for those of us who don’t want to get shot by their product. What company is that?

4) Worldwide, was the just concluded May hotter or cooler than normal?

5) July 2,1965. President Johnson intimated the Democratic Party would lose the South for a generation because he did what?

6) A year prior to the Declaration of Independence, the colonies sent a petition for peace (the Olive Branch Petition) to England. What happened to this petition?

7) In a real surprise last weekend, 3rd district Iowa republicans selected what dark-horse candidate to oppose Staci Appel for congress?

8) Despite charges from his challenger of many voting irregularities and cross over voting, what Miss. senator won The republican nomination Tuesday in Miss.?

9) In a comment that cost him his job, an Arkansas official said who “would get shot at the state line” if they tried to come into Arkansas?

10) The first commemorative celebrations for Independence Day were held in what city? What year if you can remember?

11) A Nebraska legislator raised a ruckus when an Iowa survey on gambling showed that Nebraskans gambled how much money at Iowa casinos? (+- $50 million)

12) The Postal Service suddenly has an odd backer when what retiring Iowa congressman came out for Saturday delivery and the Postal Service in general?

13) In a somewhat surprising 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court said police can’t search what without a warrant?

14) In a really unusual and odd move, House Speaker John Boehner announced that the House (using our money) will sue who?

15) A bill to stop cuts in Social Security Services was introduced into the US House by what Iowa congressman?

It is time to celebrate! Bring on the bands and the fireworks and hide the critters. On a serious note, I have heard over the years that some veterans of war are very sensitive to fireworks. Please be very respectful of this. Thank you from blogforiowa.

Answers!

1) Our neighbors to the North. Happy Canada Day on July 1!

2) The shooting of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo that sparked WWI

3) Smith and Wesson

4) The just completed May was the hottest May ever

5) signed the civil rights bill of 1965

6) It was rejected in London, thus giving fuel to colonists who wanted to rebel.

7) David Young

8) Thad Cochrane

9) Hillary Clinton

10) In Philadelphia (Pa) of course in 1777

11) $327M or about 1/4th of Iowa casino revenues.

12) Tom Latham – where was he when it counted?

13) your cell phone

14) President Obama – I think for presidenting while black.

15) Bruce Braley. His opponent wants to end SS and Medicare.

Be safe this week!