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HISTORY OF SPORTS (continued) • In the Middle Ages, knights competed in jousting tournaments. The main sport of the upper class was hunting deer and wild boar. • A very rough form of football called “mob football” was invented during the Middle Ages and played between neighboring villages. The ball was an inflated pig’s bladder and any means could be used to move the ball to a goal, as long as it didn’t lead to murder or manslaughter. The game of golf was developed in Scotland in the 15th century. • A billiard game became popular in 16th-century France. The game was played with two balls that were struck with the edge of what resembled a hockey stick on a table made of wood covered in a green woolen cloth with felt sides. The game of curling became well established by the 16th century in Scotland and the Netherlands. • King Charles II made yachting a popular sport in the 17th century, and a game of “Nine Pins,” much like today’s bowling, was played as an indoor and outdoor sport. • In the 18th century, horse racing became a professional sport, and the Jockey Club was formed in Britain in 1727. • During the 19th century, sports became more organized with leagues and rules. The London Football Association devised the rules of football in 1863. In 1867, John Graham Chambers wrote a list of rules for boxing.
Cat’s Taste for Plastic Could Signal Diabetes By Samantha Mazzotta
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m replying to Dave, the reader whose cat chews on his wife’s oxygen hose. This may sound weird, but he should consider having his cat checked for diabetes. Our cat, “Tuffy,” started chewing on our clear plastic shower curtain. We waited a bit too long to have him checked out, and he was in dire condition by the time the veterinarian saw him. It was my wife who read something in a cat magazine and suggested that the vet test Tuffy for diabetes. Sure enough, he had it. And while our cat’s prognosis was initially not good -- the vet said he might have three months to live -- thanks to regular insulin injections and care, Tuffy lived another four and a half years. So Dave, keep the faith, and have your cat checked for diabetes. -- Tom W., via email DEAR TOM: Thanks so much for calling attention to this possible health condition! Chewing on clear plastic as a signal for possible diabetes is not something I have heard of before, but I’m very glad your wife made that connection.
Readers, keep in mind that many, even most, cats chew on weird things. Plastic shopping bags and crumpled paper are especially fascinating, and it’s not unusual to see cats gnawing at them. Of course, you should take efforts to stop them from ingesting such items. This type of gnawing does not necessarily signal a health problem, but if you’re unsure, take your pet to the veterinarian to ease your suspicions. Other signs of feline diabetes include a voracious appetite and/or drinking large quantities of water, as well as frequent urination or urinating a much larger amount than usual. Weakness in the cat’s back legs is another serious symptom. Send your pet questions and tips to ask@pawscorner. com, or write to Paw’s Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Find more pet advice and resources at www.pawscorner. com.
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