1. What is the grossest ice cream treat you have ever seen? How does it compare with the Moron's Delight, the Nuclear Meltdown, and the Day of Wrath? Could Pinkwater have been inspired by a real-life ice cream concoction?

2. Where in your town or city would you go if you wanted to eat something truly unusual? What would you be able to order? How would it compare with the dishes served at the Magic Moscow?

3. What is the appeal of junk food?

What elements do popular junk foods have in common (for example, fat)?

4. What dish would you make to win the contest on Spiegal. What would its ingredients be? How would you mix and prepare them? Let your imagination soar. (This could also be a short writing assignment.)

5. Why would the Flying saucer Club of Hudson County, New Jersey reject Steve's report about his...