Playing around with answers to play 60 commercial
Mr. Know-it-all
Q: There is a TV commercial running for the NFL’S Play 60 program in which a young boy talks to a football player. I can’t understand the boy. Can you tell me what he is saying? — B.Z., Sharon, Pennsylvania
A: The adult is Cameron Jerrel “Cam” Newton, the quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. In October 2007, the NFL launched NFL PLAY 60, a national youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.
Kid: Hey Cam, thanks a lot for coming to my school today. Cam Newton: No problem, mate. Kid: I promise to exercise and eat right. Cam Newton: Don’t forget 60 minutes of play a day, right? Kid: And I’ll grow up to be big and strong like you? Cam Newton: Absolutely. Kid: And play in the NFL? Cam Newton: Yes, sir. Kid: And be drafted No. 1? Cam Newton: Maybe? Kid: And become the starting quarterback of the Panthers. Cam Newton: OK... Kid: You can be my back up? Cam Newton: Excuse me? Kid: And make Panthers fans forget about you? Cam Newton: What? Kid: And become your mom’s favorite player? Cam Newton: Whoa! Kid: I’m just loosening my arm.
LET’S LEARN ENGLISH: In the U.K., a “git” is what Americans call a “jerk.”
In the U.K., they say “icing sugar,” while in America, we say “confectionary sugar.”
DID YOU KNOW? W.C. Fields was the second choice to play the role of the Wizard in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” The role went to Frank Morgan.
Q: According to legend, if the ravens leave the Tower of London, the empire will fall. How and when did this legend begin? — W.U., Clackamas, Oregon
A: Precise details are debated, but what is known is that the legend started during the reign of Charles II. Lets do a quick history lesson: Charles II’S father, Charles I, was beheaded by Oliver Cromwell and his Pilgrim followers on Jan. 30, 1649, during the English Civil War. Cromwell died in 1658, creating political unrest. Parliament restored the monarchy and invited Charles II back to England, where he reigned from 1660 until 1685.
For reasons that are unclear, Charles II decided all ravens would be eradicated from London and surrounding areas. Charles was told of the ancient prophecy that if the ravens were to leave the tower, the monarchy would fall. I’m not sure, but I think that was made up by The Committee to Save the Ravens. It was decided, possibly by Charles himself, that six ravens would be enough to maintain the legend and the monarchy. To this day, seven ravens are kept on hand just in case.
DID YOU KNOW? Miley Ray Cyrus was given the name Destiny Hope Cyrus at birth. She later legally changed her name. “Ray” is for her grandfather, and “Miley” was shortened from “Smiley,” her childhood nickname.
Q: I was at a function when a man dressed in an ancient military uniform used a saber to open a bottle of champagne. There was a name for this ritual. Do you know what it is? — M.H., Lakeway, Texas
A: It is known as “sabrage,” a technique used for opening a bottle of champagne during ceremonial occasions. The dull side of a sabre breaks away the neck of the bottle, leaving only the base. The cork and collar remain together.
This technique became popular in France when Napoleon’s army celebrated its many victories. How and why this unusual ritual began remains open to debate.