This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

You walk into a room that contains a match, a kerosene lamp, a candle, and a fireplace.  What would you light first?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The Hawkeye state of Iowa becomes the 29th state admitted to the American union on December 28, 1846.

Here are a few quick facts about Iowa:

• Capital City:  Des Moines (also most populated city)
• State Bird:  Eastern goldfinch
• State Flower:  Wild prairie rose
• State Motto:  Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain 

One of Iowa’s most recognized citizens is Carrie Chapman Catt (1859-1947).  She is honored for her efforts as a women’s suffrage leader.  In 1920, passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants women the right to vote.  Catt also founded the League of Women Voters in 1920.

When one drives along any highway through the state, it is easy to understand that Iowa is America’s leading corn producer.  Iowa is the only American state bordered by two navigable rivers:  Missouri on the west and Mississippi on the east.

Sioux City is located along the northwestern border of the state.  While most of the city is located in Iowa, parts of the city are also found in Nebraska and South Dakota. 

The television show of M*A*S*H features one character with an Iowa address.  Walter “Radar” O’Reilly hails from Ottumwa.  Gary Burghoff, who portrays this unforgettable character, is a native of Bristol, Connecticut.

clockwise from top left: Carrie chapman catt, Albert the bull in audubon, world’s largest coffee pot in stanton, President herbert hoover’s birthplace in west branch, orange city tulip festival (since 1933).   (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

The match