Mr. Write's Page

The Questions…

1. How did the thistle become the national emblem of Scotland?

2. How much gold is in an Olympic gold medal?

3. Among Italian sauces, Bolognese sauce came from Bologna, Neapolitan sauce came from Naples, and Pesto originated in Genoa. Italian mariners supposedly invented marinara sauce, because the tomatoes resisted spoilage on long voyages. What’s the story on carbonara sauce?

4. According to a study by the CDC, what is the most dangerous outdoor sport?

5. Who was the first cartoon character to be made into a balloon for a parade?

The Answers…

1. In 1263, according to legend, sleeping Scots warriors were almost set upon by a band of Vikings, who went barefoot to sneak up on them. When one of the attackers stepped on a wild thistle and howled in pain, the clansmen awakened and defeated the Viking raiders. The plant became known as the Guardian Thistle and was adopted as the symbol of Scotland.

2. Less than you might expect. Under current regulations, each gold medal is 92.5 percent silver and coated with 6 grams of 24-carat gold. Today, 6 grams of gold is worth about $250.

3. The name carbonara is derived from carbonaro, the Italian word for charcoal burner. The sauce, it is said, was created to feed hungry charcoal workers and coal miners.

4. Snowboarding. When the CDC did a nationwide survey of hospital emergency room admissions, snowboarding accounted for 25 percent of outdoor sports injuries.

5. Felix the Cat, who made his debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927.