Vol. 21: #5 • Football Greats • (1-26-2025) Tidbits of Coachella Valley by Tidbits of Coachella Valley

by Kathy Wolfe

Super Bowl LIX is just around the corner, scheduled for February 9 at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, the largest fixed dome stadium in the world. Whether youʼre a football fan or not, this week Tidbits gives you some interesting on- and off-the-field facts about some of the greatest football players of all time, plus some inside facts about their personal lives that you probably never knew. So grab your stadium blanket and your favorite beverage and follow along for a fascinating look at some of footballʼs best!

DICK BUTKUS

• This former Chicago Bears player had an interesting way of strengthening his legs in preparation for games – he pushed a car up and down the street! During his nine-year Bears career, he was invited to eight Pro Bowls. At 6 feet, 3 inches tall, weighing 245 lbs., Butkus was a force to be reckoned with. It’s no wonder he was so “solid” – he weighed a hefty 13 lbs., 6 oz. at birth!

• As a teen, he worked for four years for a moving

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT

(Answers on page 16)

1. TELEVISION: Who created the retro TV series “Stranger Things”?

2. U.S. STATES: Which state is the home of Yellowstone National Park?

3. ASTRONOMY: Which is the only planet in our solar system to rotate on its side?

4. MOVIES: What is the given name of the large bird in the animated movie “Up”?

5. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which three zodiac signs are considered earth signs?

6. LITERATURE: What is the name of Hagrid’s half-brother in the “Harry Potter” book series?

7. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital city of Australia?

8. FOOD & DRINK: What type of nut is used in the chocolate spread Nutella?

9. SPORTS: What kind of sports match is divided into 7-minute periods called chukkas?

10. ADVERTISEMENTS: What type of horses often are used in Budweiser beer ads?

In honor of the annual Super Bowl event, Tidbits invites you along for a visit to Canton, Ohio, the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

• In 1961, the community of Canton, Ohio, went all out to ensure that their city would be chosen as the site of the proposed Hall of Fame. They promoted the fact that the NFL was founded there in September 1920, although at that time it was called the American Professional Football Association. The community instituted a fundraiser that collected almost $400,000 ($3.1 million in today’s dollars) toward the centerʼs construction.

• Canton was awarded the site and groundbreaking ceremonies took place on August 11, 1962. The Hall of Fame opened to the public on September 7, 1963. The original building was just two rooms containing 19,000 square feet of space.

• Seven years later, construction began on the first expansion, one that would cost $620,000, and opened in May 1971. This expansion increased the Hall to 34,000 square feet with the addition of one spacious room.

• 1977 brought another expansion project with a price tag of $1.2 million. The gift shop and library were enlarged, and the theater size was doubled, an addition that brought the size of the Hall to 50,500 square feet, more than 2.5 times its original size. The building remained as such until 1993, when a $9.2 million expansion added a fifth spacious room, increasing the overall size to 82,307 square feet.

• The inaugural class of inductees, a group of 17 players and executives, was announced in January 1963. It included Red Grange, who started with the Chicago Bears in 1925 and finished his playing career with the team in 1934, before serving as their coach from 1935 to 1937. “Curly” Lambeau, co-founder, player, and coach for the Green Bay Packers, and coach of the Chicago Cardinals and Washington Redskins, was also honored, along with Jim Thorpe and eight other players.

• The Hall’s Gallery is home to a bronze bust of

each member. Touch-screen kiosks communicate bios, photos, and videos of each. The Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery contains the history of the event from Super Bowl 1 to the present.

• Championship rings from all the winners are on display. The Lombardi Trophy, the trophy awarded to the winner each year, is on display periodically during the NFL season. It’s appropriately named for Packers coach Vince Lombardi, who led the team to victory in the first two Super Bowl games ever played.

• The selection committee is 50 people and is comprised largely of media members. The committee meets each year at the time and location of the Super Bowl. Each city with a current NFL team is allowed a representative from the local media. Cities with more than one franchise send a representative for each. Between and four and nine new members are inducted every year.

• As of 2024, there are 378 members of the NFL Hall of Fame. The Chicago Bears have the most inductees, with 39, Green Bay follows with 34, and the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders, each have 32. All 32 active NFL teams have at least one player in the Hall.

• The Hall of Fame isn’t just for football players. Honorees include players, coaches, officials, owners, photographers, and even office personnel and groundskeepers – all of those who have made a significant contribution to the game. In order to the nominated for the Hall of Fame, a player or coach must be retired for at least five years. Other contributors can be voted in at any time.

company hauling and lifting heavy furniture. The NFL Network named him the most feared tackler of all time. Post-career, he became a broadcaster and actor, appearing in dozens of films and TV series.

• Football injuries took their toll on Butkus. One knee was replaced with a metal joint, and another surgery left him with one leg 1.5 inches shorter than the other, which created distress in his hips, back, and neck. Spinal nerve damage caused trouble with his walking, and he also lost strength in his hands. He also survived a radical quintuple bypass surgery. Yet “The Enforcer,” as he was frequently called, led a busy life until he passed at age 80 in 2023.

DEION SANDERS

• Deion “Prime Time” Sanders spent 14 seasons in the NFL, playing for five different teams, but his life in sports hasn’t been limited to football only. Sanders had been a high school All-Stater in football, basketball, and baseball.

• In addition to his honors as a two-time Super Bowl champ and eight-times in the Pro Bowl, Sanders was a Major League Baseball outfielder for nine seasons with four different teams. He signed to play baseball with the New York Yankees in 1989 and with NFL’s Atlanta Falcons the same year.

• He is the only the athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series. He’s also the only person to hit an MLB home run and score an NFL touchdown in the same week.

• If all of that didn’t keep him busy enough, Sanders also had a music career as a rapper, releasing his debut album in 1994. He also served as the host of the 2002 Miss USA pageant. He has also been the head coach of the University of Colorado Buffaloes since 2022.

JERRY RICE

• Regarded by many as the greatest football player of all time, Jerry Rice is indeed a unique individual. During his career from 1985 to 2004, Rice played in 13 Pro Bowls, four Super Bowls (winning three), and was a Super Bowl and NFL MVP. Rice set 38 NFL records, including receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches.

• As the son of a brick mason, Rice developed his rugged hands by catching bricks tossed to him on the job. He honed his speed and agility by chasing down and catching horses in the pasture.

• Most of his career was spent with the San Francisco 49ers (1985-2000), but he spent 20012004 with the Oakland Raiders, and closed out his playing career with the Seattle Seahawks. Rice not only loves football, he adores golfing, and would rise early in the morning before 49ers practice to work on his golf swing.

DAN MARINO

• If Dan Marino had followed his original dream, he would have never achieved football fame. The former Miami Dolphins quarterback got his start in baseball as an outstanding pitcher who also played shortstop when he wasn’t pitching. During his high school senior year, his hitting record topped .500.

• The Kansas City Royals drafted him in the 4th round in the 1979 draft. But although he was a talented baseball player, he was an exceptional football player, chosen for Parade All-American, and finally made the choice to play only football at the University of Pittsburgh.

• Marino played 17 seasons with the Dolphins, but never was on a Super Bowl-winning team. He was Rookie of the Year in 1983 and played in the Pro Bowl nine times. He still holds nine NFL records.

• Marino has been a CBS analyst and continues to act as a special advisor to the Dolphins, but in the 1990s, he branched out into acting, appearing in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” and opposite Adam Sandler in “Little Nicky.” He had a voice talent role in a Simpsons episode and appeared in a Hootie & the Blowfish music video in 1995. His love of music is evidenced in his ability as an accomplished drummer.

JOE MONTANA

• Joe Montana’s favorite sport was basketball, and the Monongahela, Pennsylvania native was offered several college basketball scholarships before accepting the position of quarterback at

the 1998 draft as the first overall pick, and played through the 2011 season. He retired from the Denver Broncos in 2015.

Notre Dame, where he graduated with a degree in business administration and marketing.

• During his 14 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Montana had four Super Bowl wins and was the first player to be named Super Bowl MVP three times. He spent his final two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, leading the team to its first AFC Championship Game.

• Joe’s surname was Americanized from his family’s Italian name Montani. He now raises horses and produces wine under the label Montagia in the San Francisco area.

1. The San Fransicso 49ers retired the #80 jersey of what player in 2010?

2. What NFL player was nicknamed "The Golden Arm"?

Peyton Manning was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Following his graduation from the University of Tennessee, Manning was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in

By Lucie Winborne

* Cheerleading was once an exclusively male sport, and the first cheers, copied from military chants, began at Princeton University around the Civil War era.

* Motorola has developed an FDA-approved “edible password pill” which, once digested, is activated by the acid in your stomach and emits an 18-bit signal that is strong enough to communicate with and unlock all your devices.

* On Mars, no resource can be wasted -- not even our bodily waste. Urine will be recycled into drinking water and feces into fertilizer.

* Scientists can deduce information about a person’s lifestyle, including their grooming products, food and medications, from the chemicals found on the surface of their mobile phone.

* The 1,400-page novel “War and Peace” was copied around seven times by Leo Tolstoy’s wife, Sophia, by hand. Now, that’s love!

* U.S. Marine John Kelly was the last person to be awarded two Medals of Honor. He ran 100 yards in advance of the front line and attacked an enemy machine gun nest, killed the gunner with a grenade, shot another man with his pistol, and returned with eight prisoners. He was 19.

* The only difference between a fog and a mist comes down to visibility: If you can’t see farther than 100 meters, you’re in a fog.

* George Washington had one remaining tooth in his mouth when he was sworn in as the first American president in 1789.

* The sound of a Star Wars lightsaber was created by pairing the sound of an idle film projector and the buzz from an old TV set

Thought for the Day: “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

-- Edmund Burke

by Mary Hunt

Clearing Up the Confusion Around Date Labels on Packaged Foods

though the product may still be edible and easily refreshed with a few minutes in a hot oven. Some products bear a “pack date,” indicating when it was packaged, although this date is often encrypted so that only manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers can read it.

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

No doubt, you’ve noticed that some food products come with dates and codes printed on them. And who isn’t noticing this more now as food costs are skyrocketing?

Do those codes and dates mean the item must be consumed by that date or just sold by that date?

What about canned or packaged goods that show only a date like “2.01.25”? Does that mean you could end up in the emergency room if you consume it a month later in March?

And then there are other food products that don’t seem to have any date at all -- at least we sure can’t find any reference to one. Confusing, isn’t it?

While most food processors date and code their products and decide what their codes mean, it is the Food and Drug Administration that mandates dating, which is surprisingly limited.

Under federal law, only infant formula and baby food are required to have product dating. Everything else is voluntary on the part of food manufacturers and processors.

Meat, poultry and egg products fall under the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and dates may be voluntarily created as long as they are truthful and not misleading.

Phrases like “Best Before,” “Better if Used Before” or “Best if Used By” tell you how long the product will retain its best flavor and highest quality. You will find these phrases on products such as baked goods, cereals, snacks and some canned foods. The food is still safe to eat after this date but may have changed somewhat in taste or texture.

Perplexed? Unsure? Open it! Give it the smell test and a good visual test. I can attest to the fact that a can of nonfat evaporated milk that is three years past its “Best By” date will not smell sour. But it may be golden in color (think school bus) and curiously separated, leaving liquid on top and chunky solids beneath. Get the picture?

“Expiration,” “Use By” or “Use Before” are phrases that appear on yogurt, eggs and other foods that require refrigeration. Other dating terms are guidelines, but these usually mean what they say. If you haven’t used the product by this date, toss it out.

“Guaranteed fresh.” This date is often used for perishable baked goods. Beyond this date, freshness is no longer guaranteed, al-

The “Sell By” date is usually found on highly perishable foods such as meat, milk and bread. This date guides store clerks who handle the rotation of shelf stock so they know which item to sell first. This date is determined to allow time for the product to be stored and used at home. The product is still safe and wholesome past this date if handled properly until spoilage is evident -- when it looks more like a science fair project than tonight’s din-din.

For example, milk will usually be good for at least a week beyond its “Sell By” date if properly refrigerated. Meat that has reached its “Sell By” date should be either consumed or frozen within 24 hours.

The pack date on some products, such as eggs, is shown by a 3-digit Julian date (001 through 365) found on the short side of the carton. Jan. 1 is number 001, and Dec. 31 is number 365, ignoring leap year.

Eggs are safe to be consumed four to five weeks beyond that date, as long as they are kept refrigerated.

The point in all of this is that the fresher your food, the better it is. And for the most part, processors want to assure customers that their products will remain at peak quality for certain periods of time because they want to keep your business -- and having a good reputation for freshness goes a long way toward making that happen.

Here’s the bottom line: Use your common sense. Practice diligence when purchasing, storing and using up food. And never stop looking for reasonable ways to make food last longer and stretch further.

* * *

Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually.

MORE FOOTBALL GREATS

JOHNNY UNITAS

• Coaches felt Johnny Unitas was just too skinny to play football. The 6 ft., 1 in. Pennsylvania native longed to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but after being rejected for the team, he attended the University of Louisville.

• Out of college, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the team released him before the season began, and Unitas, now married with children, went to work in construction, playing football on the weekends for a local semi-pro team for $6 a game.

• In 1956, when Unitas was 23, he was invited for a workout with the Baltimore Colts. He had to borrow money for the gas but it ended well when the Colts signed Unitas as backup quarterback for the season for $7,000.

• He was MVP in 1959, 1964, and 1967, played in the Pro Bowl 10 teams over the course of his 18 seasons, and helped the Colts to win four championship titles. His record of most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (47 games) held for 52 years until surpassed by Drew Brees in 2012.

• Being a football great had its drawbacks for Unitas, who played football before heavy padding and other safety features were introduced. An elbow injury led to almost total loss of the use of his right hand, as well as a finger and thumb disfigured from being broken repeatedly. He filed for bankruptcy in 1991 due to a failed business venture.

EMMITT SMITH

• Emmitt Smith retired in 2004, but he still holds the NFL record for all-time leader in rushing yards with 18,355, as well as the record for career rushing touchdowns with 164.

• Smith was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1990 draft. In 1993, he became

the only running back to win a Super Bowl championship, NFL MVP, NFL rushing crown, and Super Bowl MVP all in the same season.

WALTER PAYTON

• Walter Payton was certainly a well-rounded high school student, playing baseball, participating in the Boy Scouts, serving at his church, playing drums in the marching band, and singing in the choir. When the football coach tried to recruit Payton for the team, Payton only agreed if he would be allowed to continue in Band.

• After a college career at Mississippi’s Jackson State University, Payton was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1975, where he remained for

13 seasons, playing in nearly 200 games.

• During a 1976 game against the Vikings, Payton broke the record for the most rushing yards in a single game, with 275, along with a touchdown, all of this accomplished with a 101-degree fever and a brutal case of the flu.

• Payton disliked the practice of touchdown celebrations in the end zone, and after scoring, he quietly handed the ball to his teammates or the official.

• During his post-career ventures, including a sports radio show and ownership of a restaurant, Payton’s health began to fail and he was diagnosed with kidney failure and bile duct cancer. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 46. 

by Dana Jackson

Q: Where has Susan Sarandon been lately? She’s my all-time favorite movie actress. How many Oscars has she won? -- S.F.

A: Despite just turning 78 years old, Susan Sarandon has not slowed down. She first shot to fame at age 29 in the cult-movie comedy “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” She’s no stranger to the Oscars, having been nominated five times before winning in 1996 for her performance as a nun opposite Sean Penn’s death row inmate in “Dead Man Walking.”

In recent years she’s played movie star Bette Davis in the Ryan Murphy series “Feud: Bette and Joan,” a movie mogul in Showtime’s “Ray Donovan” and returned to comedy in the film “A Bad Moms Christmas.” Next, she stars in the country-music drama series “Monarch,” which premieres Jan. 30 at 10 p.m. ET on Fox. ***

Q: I make a point to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” every December. Did Jimmy Stewart win an Oscar for the role or any other roles? He certainly deserved a whole mantle full. -- D.J.

A: With his distinctive voice, Jimmy Stewart was absolutely one of the all-time greats. Born in 1908, he went on to act in 80 films up until 1991. He was nominated five times for Best Actor in a Leading Role, including for “It’s a Wonderful

Life,” but his only win was for “The Philadelphia Story.”

“It’s a Wonderful Life” was the first film Stewart made after serving as an Air Force pilot during World War II. He was reported to have suffered PTSD, and this certainly made an impact on his emotional performance as George Bailey in the film.

When he returned to acting, Stewart found that Hollywood had moved on without him. He wanted to do a comedy after having endured the trauma of war, but the only role offered was the despondent Bailey in the future Frank Capra classic. Stewart reluctantly agreed, and the rest is history.

Q: I saw a commercial where Will Smith goes on an outdoor adventure around the world. I didn’t catch whether he’s a character in a movie or what, but it looked interesting. When does it come out? -- K.E.

A: Will Smith does have a movie out, “King Richard,” where he plays the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams in a story about

their lives, but the commercial you saw is for a limited reality series with Smith as himself. In “Welcome to Earth,” he goes on adventures around the world with Oscar-winning filmmaker Darren Aronofsky. Guided by experienced explorers, Smith climbs volcanoes and glaciers, journeys 3,000 feet below the sea, and gets up close and personal with wild creatures. It will be available for streaming beginning Dec. 8 on Disney+. This year also has been one of reflection for the 53-year-old actor, as he recently published his memoir, “Will,” which you can learn more about at WilltheBook.com.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

King Features News Syndicate

(Go Figure solution page 14)

Good Recipes from

Citrus Scallops

PROOF

Lemon and lime add a boost of vitamin C to this ultra-low-fat seafood entree. For hearthealthy fiber, serve with a side of whole-wheat couscous.

1 lemon

1 lime

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/4 pounds sea scallops, rinsed

3 teaspoons olive oil

1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 bag (5- to 6-ounce) baby greens

1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

1. From lemon, grate 1/4 teaspoon peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice. From lime, grate 1/4 teaspoon peel and squeeze 1 tablespoon juice. Set juices aside. In small bowl, combine peels, salt and pepper.

2. Place scallops on paper-towel-lined plate; pat dry. Sprinkle with citrus-peel mixture.

3. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil on medium for 1 minute. Add scallops; cook 6 to 8 minutes or until opaque throughout, turning once. Remove from pan; cover.

4. To skillet, add 1 teaspoon oil and shallot; cook 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in Dijon mustard and citrus juices, scraping up browned bits; cook 1 minute. Toss sauce with greens; place on plates. Top with scallops and chopped parsley, and serve with whole-wheat couscous (to make couscous, follow package directions). Makes 4 servings.

 Each serving: About 275 calories, 5g total fat (1g saturated), 47mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 29g total carbohydrate, 4g dietary fiber, 29g protein.

Grapes With Sour Cream

Even when you’re pressed for time, you can make this easy treat.

2 cups seedless grapes 1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon brown sugar

In small bowl, gently stir grapes, sour cream and brown sugar until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 4 servings.

 Each serving: About 100 calories, 3g total fat (2g saturated), 1g protein, 18g carbohydrate, 6mg cholesterol, 11mg sodium.

By John Allen

DIAMOND LIL

by Brett Koth

Donald Duck by Walt

1/26 National Bible Sunday

1/27 Holocaust Remembrance Day

1/28 Community Engagement Day

1/29 National Puzzle Day

1/30 Enjoy a Croissant Day

1/31 Fun at Work Day

2/1 Appreciate Freedom Day

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis

Canine-Love Crazed

In days of yore, it was the dog that got the leftovers: scraps from the dinner table, a pat on the head on the way out the door. Nowadays, it seems it’s the people in our lives that often have to settle for sloppy seconds.

Last week a woman called to discuss her problem. She said, “I walk my dog every day, and every day he lunges at someone. He’s bitten eight people.”

I asked her what she plans to do to address this. “For starters, what will you do tomorrow come walk time?”

“Well, walk him, of course. He needs his exercise.”

Shortly after, a man called to vent his frustration. He explained that his 7-year-old dog has spent the last five years growling and snarling at his wife. I asked him what the problem was.

He said, “It’s my wife. She won’t stop bothering me about this, and it’s annoying.”

Over the weekend a mother of five called to share the story of her 7-year-old Golden retriever. He’s bitten two children outside of the family and one child within the family. And he growls at everyone -- man, woman and child.

I asked her why she did nothing when the dog first bit someone, and she insisted there were “circumstances.”

“What kind of circumstances?” I asked. “The kid moved toward the dog.” End of story. Those were the circumstances.

As Lily Tomlin once said, “No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up.”

All of these people have one thing in common: They are more concerned about protecting the dog than they are about protecting the people around them.

According to CDC data, dogs bite more than 4.7 million people each year in the United States. I believe there is a causal relationship between that staggering number and the following:

Wuzzles

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles © King Features Synd., Inc.

Food safety during power outages

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and not all of it is good. We need to be aware of what’s going on around us, especially with the important things like our food.

My go-to for all types of food safety information has become FoodSafety.gov. At this writing, the headlines on their opening page include an investigation into an outbreak of salmonella in cucumbers, lead in imported cookware, listeria in ready-to-eat (RTE) beef and poultry, and three ways to keep your food safe when you lose power.

ADVERTISING PROOF

The section “Food Safety During Power Outages” of FoodSafety.gov has become increasingly helpful (the more storms we get, the more often the power goes out). This sentence caught my attention because I had not known it: “Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers after four hours without power.”

I’d always used temperature as a gauge, but, according to them, that's neither accurate

nor safe. Their chart lists foods labeled with either a “Keep” or “Discard” notation for food that has been in a refrigerator or freezer without power as soon as it has thawed.

It instructs you to click the download button to print out the information. Not a bad idea, but if you have no power, you certainly can’t use your computer to access the FoodSafety.gov website in the first place. So do it now.

To keep your food safe during all of our winter storms and outages, I invite you to go online to FoodSafety.gov and look around. There is a Recalls button that leads to a page of recalls and outbreaks. From the linked page there are additional links to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For even more information, go to CDC. gov and search for “food safety” to learn how to prevent foodborne illness along with other good information you should know.

* * * Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@ gmail.com.

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

-- poor breeding

-- poor socialization

-- lack of training

And for those repeat offenders whose dogs bite again and again until they are either removed from the home or destroyed altogether, the problem is denial. Some people simply cannot say the words: My dog is aggressive. They can’t admit it and they won’t deal with it.

But if a person were really concerned about the welfare of their pet, they would recognize problem behavior for what it is. If your dog is a biter, odds are good that ignoring the problem will only make things worse for everyone in the long run -including the dog.

We live in truly interesting times. A friend sent me a snapshot taken over the weekend. The photograph was of an elderly nanny pushing a stroller along a sidewalk in Beverly Hills. Inside the stroller: a dog. I can only wonder what became of the child.

Woof!

* * *

Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is the co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and the host of the PBS series “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!” Read all of Uncle Matty’s columns at www.creators.com, and visit him at www.unclematty.com.

Villain No. 2 -- women:

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Less for Others but More for Me

I had originally planned to use this space to write a follow-up column to one I wrote several weeks ago about the misnamed “Social Security Fairness Act.” But I’ve decided it’s not worth it.

For decades, government retirees who worked at jobs not covered by Social Security, but who did pay into the program at jobs before or after their government careers, have been led to believe that they had been shortchanged by the Social Security system. They hounded Congress for almost 30 years about this issue to no avail. But late last year, Congress finally caved in and gave them what they wanted.

Then I wrote a column saying that they never really had been cheated by the system. And gosh, did I get lambasted for that! I got many hundreds of emails from readers around the country. Some were polite and presented reasoned arguments explaining their take on the law. Many other responses were ill-advised and perpetuated myths about Social Security that I have spent a lifetime trying to correct. And sadly, many responses were crude, mean-spirited and vindictive. Some were even downright threatening.

Even though I know this subject better than most and have lectured around the country on this topic, it was pretty obvious that most readers affected by the law didn’t understand the points I was trying to make. So, I’m done with the topic. Besides, it’s a moot point, since the bill was signed into law earlier this month.

Having said all that, I must make another observation about many of the emails I received. Their comments reinforce a point I’ve made many times: People always say they want smaller government and less government spending. But what I’ve learned over the almost 30 years I’ve been writing this column, and what I relearned with this episode, is what people really mean is that they want less government spending for the other guy but more for themselves.

Very many of the responses I received said something like this: “I deserve this extra money and I earned it. But those people don’t.” (And when I say “those people,” you can insert your favorite Social Security villain.) I’ll use the rest of this column to give you some examples.

Villain No. 1 -- people on disability:

“You sir, are a jerk! And how dare you say I don’t deserve an increase in my Social Security checks. I’ve been robbed for years. But if you want to save Social Security, stop paying disability benefits. They’re all deadbeats anyway.”

My response:

Disability benefits have always been a favorite target of those looking for some part of the Social Security program to gripe about. Everyone claims to know a neighbor or uncle or someone who is supposedly cheating the system.

But the fact is the Social Security disability program is universally recognized as one of the most difficult programs to qualify for. You simply don’t get benefits if you have a minor problem. To qualify for disability payments, you must have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to keep you out of work for at least 12 months -- or a condition that is terminal.

“You are a complete moron if you think I don’t deserve what’s rightfully mine -- higher Social Security benefits. But you know who should have their benefits stripped away? Women who never worked and never paid a dime into the system! That’s an add-on goody that makes no sense!”

My response:

Benefits to dependent spouses and widows have been part of the Social Security program since 1935 -- the very beginning. It’s not an “add-on goody.” But I tell you what. If you convince Congress to eliminate these benefits, I hope they put you in charge of calling the approximately 3 million women getting widow’s benefits to notify them their Social Security checks will stop.

I’ve got a suggested script for your phone call: “Hello, ma’am. My name is Ebenezer Scrooge, and I’m calling about your Social Security. Even though your deceased husband paid into the program for over 50 years, I’m afraid we are going to have to cut off your checks because you were a slacker who never worked and paid taxes. Have a nice day.”

Villain No. 3 -- people on SSI:

“You are an idiot! I worked hard and deserve every nickel I can get out of Social Security. It’s those lazy bums who never worked and are getting SSI benefits. Kick them off the system and Social Security will be saved.”

My response:

Supplemental Security Income is a federal welfare program that happens to be managed by the Social Security Administration. But SSI payments are not Social Security benefits and are not funded by Social Security taxes. So kicking people off of SSI won’t save a dime from the Social Security trust fund.

Besides, many people on SSI have worked and paid taxes. But for a variety of reasons, they ended up with very small Social Security checks, and those benefits are frequently supplemented with SSI payments.

There were many more examples of “those

1. The book of Ezra is found in the a) Old Testament b) New Testament c) Neither

2. From Proverbs 29 (KJV), "But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be .....? a) Made whole b) Blessed c) Wise d) Safe

3. What does God want us to keep as the apple of our eye? a) Brotherly love b) His law c) Faith d) Righteousness

4. Upon which mountain did Balaam build seven altars? a) Olives b) Pisgah c) Sinai d) Carmel

5. What did David do to Goliath once he slew him? a) Stole his armor b) Danced around his body c) Cut off his head d) Ran him through with his sword

6. Which is known as the "First Book of the Kings"? a) Judges b) 1 Chronicles c) 1 Kings d) 1 Samuel

people” from readers saying that “I deserve more money, but those people don’t.” But I’m out of room. As I’ve always said: Lots of people want less government spending for others but more for themselves. * * *

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas. margenau@comcast.net. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

comments or more Bible Trivia go to www.TriviaGuy.com

Enjoy Tidbits with a Friend!

Probiotics May Help Restore Good Bacteria in the Gut

DEAR DR. ROACH: You recently wrote that you do not recommend probiotics in healthy people. I am a 78-year-old male who, three years ago, underwent an esophagectomy to remove my esophagus and part of my stomach because of cancer. I was put on 30 mg of pantoprazole, which was later increased to 40 mg. I’ve read that prolonged use of this medicine isn’t recommended.

My understanding is that this medicine is used to reduce the chance of acid reflux. I have read that it also kills bacteria (both bad and good) in the stomach. I asked my primary care physician about this and whether she was OK with me starting probiotics to help restore the good bacteria. --

E.M.

ANSWER: Proton-pump inhibitors like pantoprazole are often used in people after surgical treatment for esophageal cancer. They reduce acid reflux and consequently prevent a stricture where the remainder of the esophagus meets the remainder of your stomach.

While it is true that proton-pump inhibitors do have the potential for side effects with long-term use, there are times when the benefits outweigh the risks. Many esophageal cancer experts feel that the benefits outweigh the risks in esophageal survivors like you.

Long-term acid suppression does lead to changes in the gut bacteria, called the microbiome. Using probiotics to improve the quality of the microbiome has been studied, and preliminary studies showed that taking probiotics daily can get more healthy bacteria in the gut. What isn’t clear is whether this translates to better outcomes for the patient or whether any of the long-term adverse effects of proton-pump-inhibitor therapy will be reduced. It makes sense that it might help, but it is unproven as yet.

There is the potential for harm in probiotic treatment, but it’s not common. A very few cases of infection have been shown to be transmitted by probiotics. The main harm is mostly financial, since some probiotics are expensive. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 81 years old and in pretty good health. I often have a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep. A couple of months ago, I was dealing with a sore lower back from overdoing yard work, so I took two ibuprofen tablets before going to bed for several nights in a row. What I noticed is that I was able to get to sleep quicker. I have continued to take ibuprofen as a sleep aid, and it continues to help me get to sleep. But I am wondering if there might be any medical issue that could arise from the continued daily use of ibuprofen. -- J.T.N.

ANSWER: Most people don’t find that ibuprofen helps or hurts their sleep, so I don’t recommend it as a sleep aid in general. In fact, some people find that ibuprofen can be disruptive to their sleep. Others, however, find that it

makes them sleepy. In any case, the risk of two ibuprofen tablets at night, or even every day, is small. A person with a history of ulcer disease or abnormal bleeding shouldn’t take ibuprofen daily without discussing it with their doctor.

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Sports Clinic 2025: Sign Up Now

Registration for the 2025 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is now open. Scheduled to take place in San Diego this summer August 23-30, veterans who want to go should get started now on the application process. Those who are eligible could get a free round-trip plane ticket, so it’s worth the time to get started on your application. Registration cuts off on March 1.

Go online to va.gov and search for “National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic 2025.”

You’ll need the 2025 NVSSC Veteran Registration Packet, and your primary care doctor needs to sign off on the physical exam form (VA Form 0928c). If you’re over 40, you’ll need a recent EKG strip. Make your VA medical appointment now to make sure there are no delays.

Click the “Forms Submission” link to upload your medical docs.

Then wait. It might take 45 days after the March 1 deadline for you to get your notification (via email) about whether you are approved to attend.

Who qualifies for the clinics? Veterans who have traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, amputations, PTSD, visual impairments and more. See the sports clinic webpage for the details. If you’re actively engaged with the VA for care, you’ll likely qualify.

Fine print includes items such as weight limit of 250 pounds if you’re dependent or 300 pounds if you move independently. If you bring a caregiver, they pay their own way. If you need help with ADL, your caregiver needs to come along. You’ll be expected to stay for the whole week and participate in everything, and you’ll need to pay for your own lodging (but they get a group discount).

Priority goes to veterans who’ve never attended, followed by veterans who’ve attended one or two clinics. For a third year, you’ll need a recommendation. (It still can’t hurt to apply. Each application is reviewed individually.)

While the application steps might be a bit daunting, for the rehab, fitness experience and everything you’ll learn, the VA sports clinic can’t be beat.

Freddy Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

-- by Jim Miller

How Seniors Can Get Help Lowering Their Grocery Bills

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: I would like to find out if my 72-year-old mother is eligible for food stamps or any other type of assistance program. When my stepfather died last year, our mother's income dropped in half and she is having a difficult time paying her grocery bills. What can you tell us about assistance programs that can assist in her situaton? -- Searching Son

Dear Searching, There are actually several different food assistance programs that can help lower income seniors with their grocery costs, but what’s available to your mom will depend on her income level. Here’s what you should know.

SNAP Benefits

The largest hunger safety program in the U.S. is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (formerly known as Food

Stamps), but your state may use a different name. While there are millions of seniors who are eligible for SNAP, only around 40 percent (about 4.8 million seniors) actually take advantage of this benefit.

For older adults to get SNAP, their net income must be under the 100 percent federal poverty guidelines. So, households that have at least one person age 60 and older, or who are disabled, their net monthly income must be less than $1,255 per month for an individual or $1,704 for a family of two. These amounts are higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Households receiving TANF or SSI are also eligible.

Net income is figured by taking gross income minus allowable deductions including a standard monthly deduction, medical expenses that exceed $35 per month out-of-pocket, rent or mortgage payments, utility costs, taxes and more.

In addition to the net income requirement, some states also require that a senior’s assets be below $4,500, not counting the home, personal property, retirement savings and most vehicles. Most states, however, have much higher asset limits or they don’t count assets at all when determining eligibility.

To apply, you or your mom will need to fill out a state application form, which can be done by mail, by phone, or online, depending on your mom’s state of residence.

If eligible, her benefits will be provided on a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that’s used like a debit card and accepted at most grocery stores. The average SNAP benefit for 60-and-older households is around $105 per month.

To learn more or apply, contact your local SNAP office – visit fns.usda.gov/snap/statedirectory or call 800-221-5689.

Other Programs

In addition to SNAP, there are other food assistance programs that can help lower-income seniors like the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

The CSFP is a program that provides supplemental food packages to seniors with income limits at or below the 150 percent poverty line. And the SFMNP offers coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs in select locations throughout the U.S. To be eligible, your

mother’s income must be below the 185 percent poverty level. To learn more about these programs and find out if they are available in your mom’s area, visit fns.usda.gov/programs

There are also many Feeding America network food banks that host “Senior Grocery Programs” that provide free groceries to older adults, no strings attached. Contact your local food bank (see feedingamerica.org/find-yourlocal-foodbank) to find out if a program is available nearby.

In addition to the food assistance programs, there are also various financial assistance programs that may help your mom pay for medications, health care, utilities and more. To locate these programs, and learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp.org

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

ANTIQUE

JUNQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Sandwich Glass

an open mouth. Her clothes are the originals. Anything you can tell me about my doll would be appreciated.

A: Your doll was made by Simon and Halbig in Grafenhain, Germany. They were in business from 1869 to around 1930. They also made bisque heads for other German and French doll manufacturers.

Your doll is circa 1905 and would probably be worth $550 to $650.

* On Jan. 27, 1906, Norwegian speed skater Rudolf Gundersen set an impressive world record in a 500-meter speed skating event in Davos, Switzerland, completing the distance in just 44.8 seconds.

Q: I have sent a photo of a piece of Sandwich glass that was made around 1830. The dish measures 5 inches in diameter and is clear. It stands a quarter of an inch high. The edge is scalloped and has a garland pattern. It is in perfect condition. I paid $28 for it a few years ago at a shop that sells a lot of Sandwich glass. Is my dish worth more than I paid for it?

A: The Sandwich Manufacturing Company made Sandwich glass. It was founded in 1824 by Deming Jarves in Sandwich, Mass. The name was changed to Boston and Sandwich Glass Company in 1826. It made pressed glass, blown three-mold and free-blown glass in both color and clear. It closed in 1888.

Similar Sandwich dishes can be seen selling in the range of $50 to $75. * * *

Q: When I was a child, my great-aunt gave me her porcelain doll. She received it around 1900, and it is still in excellent condition. Marked on the back of the porcelain head are the words “Simon and Halbig -- 550.” The doll has a composition body, ball-jointed limbs, long dark hair, brown sleepy eyes and

Q: I have a service for 12 set of china that we received as an engagement gift in 1962. The set includes a soup tureen, a sugar bowl and a creamer, and a large serving platter. Each piece is marked with a crown and the words “Royal Princess -- PEM -- Fine China -- Bavaria -- Germany.” The dishes are white and decorated with a silver floral design.

What can you tell us about this set?

A: Even though, there is not any substantial information on the background of Royal Princess China, sets appear for sale on the Internet. Your circa-1962 set would probably be worth $500 to $1000.

* * *

Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has since retired and no longer receives inquiries nor answers reader letters. Due to the popularity of her column, this publication will continue to reprint previous columns of interest to our readers.

To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com

* On Jan. 28, 1917, a maid named Carmelita Torres objected to the chemical delousing frequently given to Mexicans crossing into the U.S. by initially refusing to leave the trolley carrying her and other immigrant workers, then hurling whatever she and her fellow riders could find at American authorities in what became known as the Bath Riots, which lasted through the following day.

* On Jan. 29, 1958, one of Hollywood’s most enduring marriages began in Las Vegas, Nevada, when actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward tied the knot. The union lasted until Newman’s death from lung cancer in 2008, at the age of 83.

* On Jan. 30, 1835, Andrew Jackson experienced the dubious distinction of being the first American president to be the victim of an assassination attempt. He clubbed the attacker, Richard Lawrence, several times with his cane and escaped, angry but unscathed, thanks to both of Lawrence’s guns misfiring. Lawrence spent the rest of his days in a mental institution.

* On Jan. 31, 1945, Private Eddie Slovik was shot and killed by a 12-man firing squad in eastern France, making him the first American soldier since the Civil War to be executed for desertion.

* On Feb. 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke up while entering Earth’s atmosphere over Texas, killing all seven crew members. Strangely, worms used in a study by the crew, that were stored in a canister aboard the shuttle, did survive.

* On Feb. 2, 1897, inventor and businessman Alfred Cralle, a porter at the Markell Brothers drugstore in Pittsburgh, patented the first ice cream scoop, which he called the “ice-cream mold and disher.” The Pittsburgh Press reported that the scoop could serve up “40 to 50 dishes of ice cream in a minute,” while avoiding “the soiling of the hands.” Cralle was the first Black man in Pittsburgh to receive his own patent.

"The good news is that everyone on the hiring team liked the font you used on your resumé Do you really want to know the bad news?"

Sandwich glass was made in Sandwich, Mass. during the 1800s.

The Abingdon Pottery company was formed in 1908.

WILLIAM PERRY

• William “The Refrigerator” Perry got his nickname while playing college football for the Clemson Tigers. When a teammate could barely squeeze into an elevator with the giant freshman, the player said, “Man, you’re about as big as a refrigerator!” The name stuck. In his career with the Chicago Bears, teammates also called him Biscuit, referring to “just one biscuit shy of 350 pounds.”

• After his college play, Perry was hand-picked by Bears coach Mike Ditka in the first round of the 1985 draft. In his rookie season, Perry was part of the team that won the Bears’ first Super Bowl.

• Perry holds the record for the heaviest player to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl, weighing in at a hefty 335 lbs. His Super Bowl ring was a size 25, compared with the average adult male’s ring size of between 10 and 12. At birth he weighed 13 lbs., and by the time he was 11 he had already reached 200 lbs.

• Years after his football career his weight had become a health problem. At age 54 and now weighing 425 lbs., Perry was confined to a wheelchair. He was hospitalized for treatment of diabetes, and with no feeling in his feet he was at risk for having his leg amputated.

• Today Perry resides in an assisted living facility under nursing care in his hometown of Aiken, South Carolina. Also suffering financial difficulties, he had to sell his Super Bowl ring to help pay off debts. He has also been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an immune disorder that attacks the nervous system.  (Related story page 5)

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

Flaring Up

Little attention is placed on the orientation of the feet, yet your swing’s balance may be in their balance. Foot orientation has a strong influence on the body’s ability to turn and shift weight during the swing.

Since the backswing and forward swing will have different speeds, forces, and directions, the foot placement may vary for each individual. Your flexibility may play a large part in determining what position each foot will take.

Since the forward swing requires a complete rotation of the body toward the target and a majority of the weight on the left leg at the finish, the left foot is typically flared outward 10-40 degrees. The flaring of the foot allows the leg and the hip to unturn more freely in the follow through.

The backswing is attempting to control the body turn and weight shift, so the foot flare may be more minimal from 0-20 degrees.

Ben Hogan wrote several times that he preferred the right foot to be “square” while the left foot flared out a “quarter turn”. Many amateurs may allow a little flare with the right, then double that for the left foot.

Linda Thistle