Good Question: 'Reply All' Songs And Mosquito Bites

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Why is the national anthem played before sporting events? And what causes the bump you get from a mosquito bite?

Just some of the many Good Questions we've seen this week.

Walter Wozniak from Lakeville wanted me to name a tune known as "Call to the Post." In horse racing, the bugle usually sounds five to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. It's a signal that means: you should be at the starting gate.

But it's actually a military bugle tune known as "First Call." We don't know who composed it, but the U.S. Army gets credit for it.

Usually, it sounds on a military base as a pre-Reveille courtesy around 5:50 a.m. Originally, it was called to get the trumpeters ready to do the 6 a.m. Reveille.

On a U.S. Navy ship, first call is sounded at 7:55 a.m. -- five minutes ahead of presenting the morning colors.

Since we're talking songs and sports, Mike from New Auburn wanted to know: Why do we play the national anthem before sporting events?

It started during World War I, in the 7th inning stretch of a Cubs vs. Red Sox World Series game. The band spontaneously started playing "The Star Spangled Banner." The crowd loved it, so they did it the next game.

It became a tradition for opening day and special games. It wasn't until after World War II that it happened for every game. Then it spread to other sports.

The last question is from Cassidy Kostreba, of Opole: Why do you get bumps from mosquito bites?

You get a bump because you're having an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva.

When she bites you, she sucks some of your blood. At the same time, her saliva flows into your body. The bump is an allergic reaction, like a hive.

Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein in your blood so they can produce their eggs. So take comfort: every time you're being bitten, you're helping continue the mosquito circle of life.