It’s been a hard season for all involved.

But amid the carnage, the Sharks appear to have found another piece to build around. A big piece.

Winger Klim Kostin scored again Monday in the Sharks’ 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken at SAP Center, giving him eight points in 12 games since he came to San Jose on March 8 in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings.

Kostin, at 6-foot-4 and 232 pounds, is the Sharks’ largest player and fits right into general manager Mike Grier’s stated intention of building a team that’s hard to play against and in the opposition’s face. Certainly, Kostin hasn’t been afraid to throw his weight around, with 12 hits in his last six games.

“He’s a big player. He makes plays, he’s physical, he’s good around the net,” Sharks defenseman Kyle Burroughs said of Kostin. “Plays with a little bit of an edge, which is fun to see. He’s fit in pretty seamlessly.

“He (has some) stink to his game and a bit of snarl, and we like that.”

“I (don’t) really like big hits. I (don’t) really like to hurt guys,” the soft-spoken Kostin said. “But when the game goes that way, we’ve got to answer.”

Kostin had five hits Monday in a sometimes chippy affair with the Kraken. But he’s also showing the type of skill that made him a St. Louis Blues first-round draft pick in 2017.

After being used mostly as a fourth-liner thus far in his NHL career, Kostin is flourishing in a bigger role, as he’s playing with Mikael Granlund and Fabian Zetterlund on the Sharks’ top line.

In the second period Monday, Kostin showed his soft hands with a deft deflection of a Marc-Edouard Vlasic shot that got past Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer, bringing the Sharks to within one.

“He’s a hockey player,” Sharks coach David Quinn said of Kostin. “He’s got poise with the puck. He’s not afraid to make a play. If he can’t make a play, he protects it. So there’s a lot to like about him.

“He’s a first-round talent and is making the most of his opportunity.”

Kostin, 25, certainly welcomed a change of scenery after he sat out eight of nine Red Wings games before the trade deadline – even if it was to the NHL’s last-place team.

“Playing with guys like (Granlund and Zetterlund), obviously you’re going to have some points, some goals, and some assists because they’re good players,” Kostn said. “I just feel alive again and enjoying hockey with the Sharks.

“Just want to pay back the coaching (staff for their) trust.”

Why do you feel alive, Kostin was asked.

“Ice time,” Kostin deadpanned, as he’s averaged nearly 15 minutes per game with the Sharks compared to 8:43 with the Red Wings.

“I really hope I can stay here and be a big part of the team,” he added. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, enjoying the guys, enjoying the staff and everyone on the team.”

Kostin has one more year left on his contract that carries an average annual value of $2 million. He’s one of nine players on the Sharks’ roster right now who are 25 years old or younger.

Up front are William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, Filip Zadina, Zetterlund, and Givani Smith, and the young crowd on the back end includes Mario Ferraro, Calen Addison, and Henry Thrun. More prospects are in the pipeline.

Kostin diagnosed perfectly what the Sharks (17-49-8) need going forward.

“We have a lot of young guys so we’re missing a few, I would say, superstars that we need, like experienced guys,” Kostin said. “We’re building for next season.”

It’ll be a challenge for the rebuilding Sharks to bring in an established superstar for next season. Those kinds of players likely need to be drafted.

But if the Sharks win the NHL Draft Lottery, they will select Macklin Celebrini, a centerman who has drawn comparisons to former Chicago Blackhawks great Jonathan Toews.

In the meantime, Kostin appears to be a player the Sharks would like to have around for a while and be a part of the solution.

“I think his best hockey is ahead of him, for sure,” Quinn said. “He’s got eight games here to finish strong, but it’s going to be a big, big summer for him because I think if he does the things he needs to do and should do this summer, he can make a big jump.”

One thing you would do as GM of the 49ers to make sure we beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl? (@connor_p.g)

One thing? Have you seen how much the 49ers have altered their defense since the Chiefs outlasted them in Vegas? They’ve changed defensive coordinators. They’ve welcomed new defenders and bid farewell to others, including Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Chase Young, Clelin Ferrell, and Oren Burks. And they haven’t re-signed Tashaun Gipson or Logan Ryan. One more thing? I’d use the first-round pick on a defensive end who was born to sack Patrick Mahomes — or stop him on a fourth-and-1 run with the Super Bowl on the line.

49ers Super Bowl dynasty? LIX (59) and LX (60)? (@jbati_8052)

Look, they need to win their first Super Bowl in THIRTY years before banking on a repeat. It reminds me of when a 49ers rookie walked up to John Madden some 20 years ago; he asked Madden how many Super Bowls he’d won, and after Madden replied one (the Raiders’ first in 1976), the player said he was going to win three, to which Madden countered: “I’d just worry about getting that first one, if I were you.” That player won none.

If the 49ers trade up in the first round, what position do they target? (@podman61)

Offensive tackle or defensive end, although wide receiver is in play if the 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. Tackle is the more common prediction, but I say that’s more for insurance in case Trent Williams retires in the next year or two, rather than an immediate replacement for right tackle Colton McKivitz, who just got an extension through 2025. Not a lot of defensive ends are generating hype, which could allow the 49ers to sneak up for one to learn behind Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd.

Why is Jed talking about Purdy asking for something no one has ever asked for before? (@dcl24sc)?

York, at last week’s NFL owners meeting, foreshadowed how Brock Purdy’s 2025 extension could be the largest in team history. If he joins the club of NFL quarterbacks making over $40 million annually, Purdy’s deal would eclipse the 49ers’ last year for defensive end Nick Bosa (five years, $170 million), as well as the 2018 gamble that briefly made Jimmy Garoppolo the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback (five years, $137.5 million).

Purdy’s contract can’t be adjusted until after he completes this upcoming, third season. On top of his $870,000 last season, he received $739,795 from the NFL’s performance-based pay program, the NFL announced Monday. (Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir earned an additional $790,744 through that system that factors in playing time and compensation compared to teammates; he had a $940,000 in base salary.)

Who gets a long-term deal first, Aiyuk or J.J.? (@bigev49er)

My money (OK, the Yorks’ money) is on Jauan Jennings, only because his contract should be less complicated than the extension that Aiyuk should get as training camp opens. Both wide receivers are under 49ers control for 2024: Aiyuk’s fifth-year option calls for a $14.1 million salary, while Jennings drew a $4.9 million tender he’s expected to sign as a restricted free agent. Whereas Jennings might give the 49ers a hometown discount, AIyuk should not.

Please keep Brandon Aiyuk!! (@mj_arroyo)

Your wish should be granted in about four months, seeing how the 49ers typically let their money accrue interest in the bank until camp approaches and urgency prompts them to make a deal for their annual homegrown star. Aiyuk is understandably anxious, saying he wants what he deserves or else he’ll walk, though the 49ers shouldn’t dare trade Brock Purdy’s favorite target. “We’ve got professionals working on both sides, so hopefully we can come to a professional agreement and continue to play professional football,” Aiyuk said on last week’s Nightcap podcast.

Aiyuk said he was in the facility last week. Do the players normally use the equipment for working out or rehab? (@Michael21985873)

Aiyuk, on that same podcast, indeed noted that he’d been at the 49ers’ headquarters, though he didn’t specify if he was looking into contract matters or training on his own. Players rehabilitating from injuries can do so there. Otherwise, the voluntary offseason program starts April 15, with six organized team activity sessions set between May 20-31; the mandatory minicamp is June 4-6.

When does the season start? (@lowkss_213)

Thursday, Sept. 5 is the scheduled start, kicking off with The Team That Beat The 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. The next day, the NFL plays its first regular-season game in Brazil, between the Philadelphia Eagles and a team to be announced, though reports predict it will be the Cleveland Browns or the Green Bay Packers. The 49ers have opened on the road five of the past six seasons.

Likelihood the Niners get to the Super Bowl next season and avoid the typical hangover? (@the_blair__)

Their offense returns intact, their defense welcomes back stars at every level, and their overall experience makes them the widespread favorite to win Super Bowl LIX, according to the sportsbooks. A runner-up hangover hasn’t derailed their past two seasons after NFC Championship Game defeats. The Silver Slugger Award is theirs come Feb. 9 in New Orleans.

Are we done signing (free agents), and, if not, what are names we might add? (@matty__maff; @Michael_budd)

I’d expect a signing or two, just not a cap-crunching deal. They can fill their receiver/returner need by bringing back Richie James or Trent Taylor, or by chasing Deonte Harty or Jamal Agnew. A slew of veteran safeties remain available. Mid-April signings in recent years brought in defensive lineman Arden Key (2021), running back Wayne Gallman (2021), defensive end Kemoko Turay (2022), wide receiver Chris Conley (2023), and defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. (2023).

Is anyone around the league recruiting special-teams players or coaches from the XFL to deal with the new kickoff rules? (@sluggishcheetah)

The XFL merged with the USFL to form the UFL, whose season began Saturday. So, those experts are busy, but the 49ers can rely on veteran special-teams coordinator Brian Schneider to plot their approach. More kickoff returns are expected, but that would not entice me to expose a big-time playmaker such as Christian McCaffrey or Deebo Samuel in that still-hazardous, specialized role, at least not until the stakes rise for the playoffs.

Given Kyle’s comments during the league meetings and their past draft history (or lack thereof), how certain are we that they’ll actually address the offensive line in the draft? (@KevinAMolina)

They have 10 picks. They have needs, at least for better competition and depth. Just because they did not draft an offensive lineman last year doesn’t mean they hate doing so. Their starters include left guard Aaron Banks (2021 second round), right tackle Colton McKivitz (2020 fifth round) and, at times, right guard Spencer Burford (2022 fourth round). Anybody they draft in the first three rounds could challenge for a starting job, and if it’s a tackle, then he perhaps he’s envisioned as a successor to All-Pro Trent Williams.

Will Dre Greenlaw be ready for Week 1? (@jacob.problemz.19)

The 49ers are not publicly pushing for that timeline, even if Greenlaw is personally intending to come back in time from his Achilles tear in the Super Bowl. Lynch indicated last week that Greenlaw could very well start the season on the Physically Unable To Perform list, which would keep him out at least the first four games. Hence, they signed De’Vondre Campbell in free agency as both a potential replacement and starter.

Will the 49ers go with the best-player-available malarkey from the draft or select players to fit specific roster needs? (@MrEd315)

It’s typically a balance of both, but they should lean more on BPA because this roster is not as needy as those of past years. Then again, this draft should pay off in 2025-27 and beyond, not necessarily 2024.

The 19th annual event, hosted by the Quota Club of Oroville, Youth for Change and the Oroville YMCA, provides high school students and eighth grade graduates in need with free dresses, suits, jackets, dress shirts, slacks, ties, shoes jewelry and hygiene products donated by businesses and community members.

“We reach out to every high school from here to Sacramento and Redding and as many social workers and foster organizations as we have contacts for to let them know the kids can come and shop for free clothing for prom and graduation,” said Kiki Silva, Quota Club Prom Project chair.

This year’s event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. April 8 through 12 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at the Oroville YMCA  and Convention Center at 1200 Myers St. Income verification is not required to shop the pop-up boutique. Students may come alone to shop but parents must bring their students with them to take advantage of the giveaway.

All clothing, including the more than 2,000 dresses, are on clothing racks or arranged on tables by size. Dresses are available in sizes zero to 28 and shoes are available in sizes six to 12. Silva said they are still in need of plus-size dresses as well as men’s dress wear. Donations of gently used and new items are accepted.

“We would also really like to have donations of gift certificates for manicures and tuxedo rentals,” said Silva.

High school seniors are invited to shop for prom, graduation and  job interview outfits while high school juniors may select prom and job interview clothing. Eighth-grade graduates are also welcome to shop for graduation ensembles.

“When students come in, they are assigned a personal shopper who finds out what their needs are and stays with them through the whole experience helping them find what they need and make selections,” said Silva. “When they are finished shopping, the students come to the front where we wrap their items nicely in tissue and put them in a bag, giving them the complete boutique experience.”

About 50 volunteers work to make the Prom Project a success including those who serve as personal shoppers. These volunteers are specially trained to work with students including with young people who may have “image problems” so that all students leave “feeling good about themselves and their choices,” said Silva.

“So many of the kids come in expecting just used clothing or think we won’t have anything in their size,” said Silva. “They are always surprised to see how much of the clothing like the dresses donated by Lulus.com and Macy’s are new and how many sizes we have. We see so many smiles and the kids and parents are so grateful when we tell them we can absolutely find them something they need.”

More than 200 students from as far south as Olivehurst to as far north as Quincy enjoyed shopping at the Prom Project in 2023. This was an increase of 25% over the previous year. Silva said she expects the number will increase again this year as there are more families in “greater need at this point in time.”

“There are so many wonderful moments during Prom Project,” said Silva. “It just makes our hearts happy.”

Donations for the projects are being accepted through April 8 and may be dropped off in Oroville at the YMCA or in Chico at Youth for Change, 260 Cohasset Road. For more information about the Prom Project or to make special arrangements for gift certificate or other donations call Silva at 530-534-3387.

In observation of Easter Sunday and Cesar Chavez Day, school campuses closed for the day including schools with Chico Unified School District, Chico State and other campuses; and the fair weather brought opportunity for a walk in the park, biking, flying kites, soccer, slack lining and fishing.

The games were important for both teams, as Chico State (9-17, 8-12 California Collegiate Athletic Association) sits in eighth place in the CCAA standings and Monterey Bay (13-20, 7-13 CCAA) is in 11th.

After a scoreless first seven innings in game one, Monterey Bay’s Faith Soriano hit a walk-off inside the park solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Chico pitcher Katelyn Oldwin. Amelie Valdez tossed 5 1/3 innings and allowed five hits, three walks and struck out one, before Olden pitched the final two innings and allowed two hits, one earned run and struck out one.

Tayler Berens had two of Chico’s four hits, as the Otters out-hit Chico 7-4.

In game two Olden pitched a complete game to earn her third win of the season, allowing six hits, five walks while striking out five. Ali Lewis led Chico with two hits, both doubles, and Lewis and Hannah Levy had one RBI each. Both of Chico’s runs came in the top of the third inning.

With the two wins Saturday, Chico State took three of four games against Monterey Bay to win the series.

Chico State will return home to begin a four game series against Cal State East Bay at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday in Chico. The Wildcats and Pioneers will face off at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Wildcats have four four-game series left remaining in the regular season, before the CCAA playoffs begin May 1 at Cal State San Marcos.

By that definition, California is one of the nation’s most liberal states. Annually, its governors and legislators enact hundreds of measures that purport to generate more prosperity and equity for its nearly 39 million residents.

Whether those efforts have had an overall positive effect – which is debatable – they unquestionably have a darker side. Each tax, each appropriation and each regulatory action has a financial impact, thus motivating those affected to seek favorable treatment.

A classic example is the California Coastal Commission, created by voters more than a half-century ago with the stated goal of maintaining public access to beaches and other coastal property by regulating development. The commission holds immense authority within a 1.6 million-acre “coastal zone” that runs from Oregon to Mexico, superseding the land use powers of local governments.

From the onset, the commission has been besieged by lobbyists for and against specific projects, and its actions have often been tinged by scandal. Three decades ago commission member Mark Nathanson, a Beverly Hills real estate broker, pleaded guilty to soliciting almost $1 million from Hollywood entertainment barons seeking building permits.

During the early years of its existence, meanwhile, the Legislature saw numerous attempts to revise the coastal zone’s dimensions because land outside its borders became more valuable. One state senator even carried a bill removing his own family’s business from the zone.

Another hoary example is California’s “tied house law” that supposedly battles monopolies in the liquor business by making it illegal for someone in the production, distribution or retail levels to engage in more than one.

The law has long outlived whatever rationale it once had and should have been repealed, but it remains on the books and thus generates a brisk trade in legislation to carve out exemptions for particular businesses.

Still another: If a Californian buys some off-the-shelf computer software – such as the TurboTax, for example – sales tax is added. But three-plus decades ago, the Legislature bowed to pressure from Silicon Valley and exempted custom software, which can cost millions of dollars, from taxation.

One more: Every year, the state allocates millions of dollars to the Southern California film industry for production inside the state. Why should California taxpayers subsidize them and not other businesses? Film executives, actors and their unions bedazzle politicians.

The California Environmental Quality Act is blatantly misused to block much-needed housing development and cries out for reform. The Legislature has taken some baby steps but routinely helps big projects such as sports arenas minimize CEQA’s effect.

A few years ago, the Legislature passed Assembly Bill 5, which requires millions of Californians who do contract work to be converted into payroll employees, but only after exempting certain categories chosen by legislative leaders.

Something of that nature happened again this week when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 610, which exempts certain restaurant employees from the state’s new $20 minimum wage for fast food workers. They include workers in hotels, theme parks, concessions on public property and gambling casinos.

Earlier, there had been a flap over an exemption for workers in restaurants that bake and sell bread. It appeared to benefit Panera Bread, one of whose franchise holders had been a major political contributor to Newsom. The controversy died down when Panera agreed to abide by the law.

AB 610 arbitrarily improves the bottom line for some restaurants while others will soon see their labor costs escalate. Politicians once again choose winners and losers.

Dan Walters can be reached at dan@calmatters.org.

A while back, I did a column that compiled a list of scam terms and today I’m going to feature one in particular: Smishing.

As I previously wrote, I hate this word. It sounds gross and feels gross to write and say. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the FCC, the term is a combination of SMS (Short Message Service, or texting) and phishing, a scam in which the perpetrator pretends to be a legitimate organization or company. In shorthand, smishing is just phishing but through text instead of email.

Recently, the United States Postal Service had to issue a warning because scammers pretending to be USPS are sending fake package tracking links to people that ultimately put malware on devices.

The target gets a text message from someone claiming to be with the USPS offering to provide free package updates, even though tracking is generally free to begin with through most legitimate carrier websites, and asks you to fill out an online form to see where your package is at.

You go to the website and at that point, the site can begin creeping nasty software to your phone or tablet. The form itself can even ask for personal information directly. The goal of these scams is to get as much information about you as possible to eventually commit some form of financial fraud.

In the case of the postal service, a statement was issued declaring that it would never send text messages or emails without the customer asking for it or agreeing to it beforehand.

Stay safe out there folks and enjoy the spring weather while we have it.

Scam of the Week generally runs every Tuesday. Readers are welcome to contact reporter Jake Hutchison to report scams and potential scams they have come in contact with by calling 828-1329 or via email at jhutchison@chicoer.com.

After lead scientist Horatio Glen Knightsen and his accomplice are apprehended, but later apparently disappear, senior engineer “Big Joe” Carson suspects something more is afoot, which is revealed in the third book of the Big Joe Carson series, “The Dutch Master” ($10.99 in paperback, independently published; also for Amazon Kindle).

The first two books, “Particle Beam (For Such A Time),” written with Dennis E. Jones, and “Red Skies (Aftermath),” introduce a fellowship of close friends, including David Janzen, a key engineer on a new super-secret device, the Laser Optic Diamond Turning Machine (LODTM) for the Laser Defense Weapon program approved by Congress.

Since the LODTM is not available at Costco, the lab has to build its own, at great cost. And now the Indiana lab is experiencing odd delays and Janzen and Carson wonder if Mildred Cornwall, administrative lead for the new program, and one among others of Dutch ancestry at the lab, might be involved with a rumored “Dutch master” of espionage.

There’s big trouble for Big Joe when Knightsen vanishes. “The FBI announced they were adding the charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder to the … charges against Big Joe Carson, and Sunny and Bunny Valencia, the two Latino twin daughters of the infamous but dead cartel lord, Agusto Guitterez Valencia, and defrocked U.S. Marshals. All three were already locked up on multiple serious charges, any one of which could land them behind bars for life….”

That’s on page 1 of the novel; later, an attorney, known for defending cartel members, springs the twins. His name is, ahem, Daniel Barnett, of the firm of Barnett, Bennett and Barns. I’m honored. I think.

It’s a great romp and a satisfying conclusion and, if it please the Court, you should read it.

Dan Barnett teaches philosophy at Butte College. Send review requests to dbarnett99@me.com. Columns archived at https://barnetto.substack.com

First flight low gross: Kelly MacKinnon, 82. Game: 1, Debi McDermont, 30; 2, Karla Dreiss, 30.5. Second flight low gross: tie, Sandy Fortino and Janet Ford, 96. Game: 1, Cindy Bell, 25.5; 2, Pam Coleman, 29.5. Third flight low gross; Liz Mosher, 105. Game: 1, Barbara Lutz, 29.5; 2, Susan Pease, 30.5; 3, Sue Blizman, 31. Closest to pin on No. 2: 1, Gail Johnson; 2, Dreiss; 3, Mosher.

Butte Creek Country Club

The turnout was light for the Butte Creek Women’s Golf Club’s tournament last week, primarily because of inclement weather and the greens have also been recently plugged and sanded. The game format was “Tee to Green” excluding the putts in the game score. The top three players earning a little golf shop credit were: 1, Karen Fearon, 41; 2, Paula Rich, 42; 3, Sally Hayes, 43.

Looking back 10 years to April 8, 2014

Spectacular shots

Brian Bowen (the Nissan man) recorded his first hole-in-one on the 11th hole at Canyon Oaks. Bowen’s perfect 135-yard, 9-iron tee shot was also observed disappearing into the cup by his playing companions, Randy Cook and Scott McLeod. Perhaps there is some reward after all for donating a new car each year to benefit the Almond Bowl football game.

Canyon Oaks Country Club

In addition to their regular weekly outing, the Canyon Oaks CC Women’s Golf Club held a two-person 6-6-6 format tournament, 6-holes alternate shot, 6-holes scramble and 6-holes best ball. The team of Evie Spring and Linda Harris garnered first place with a team score of 68.3. Nancy Taylor and Shelley Carney finished one stroke back for the second spot. Finishing third was the team of Vickie Spelts and Nancy Vieira at 70.6.

In its weekly tournament, Carney was both low gross and low net in the first flight, as well as taking first in the game portion. Taylor took second via the card-off procedure over Fran Wedow. In the second flight, Jackie Drakulic followed Carney’s lead taking both low gross and low net and first in their game. Joan Wagoner and Carol finished second and third respectively. Closest to the pin winners were: 1, Taylor; 2, Ellie Fairchild; 3, Vieira.

Butte Creek Country Club

Shawn Blofsky and Darren Normoyle tied for first place low net in the Casa Munras Invitational Tournament held at Butte Creek. Bruce Hubbell took the third spot with a net 69. Derrick Shultz, Assistant Golf Professional at Butte Creek, took low gross with a one-under par score of 70. Jim Wilson finished second in the gross division with a score of 76. Dan Normoyle and Rich Attinger (70) tied for fourth place net.

Shultz is now off to Florida for his second session in his quest to become a Class A, PGA Golf Professional. Tom Pyeatt, Assistant Professional at Canyon Oaks CC, recently successfully completed his second session. One more trip to Florida for their third and final session and both will become full-fledged Class A, Pros. Good luck!

Irma Jenkins and Sherian Hornbeak finished first and second in the Butte Creek CC Women’s Golf Club monthly Medallion Day Tournament. Betty Dean and Bonnie Ford followed suit in the second flight. Cilla Hauer and Suzy Mann claimed the honor in the third flight.

Table Mountain Golf Course

The Table Mountain GC Women’s Golf Club held their monthly pro-points tournament last week. Sally Stemen (84) was low gross. Mary Borgo (72) was low net on the day. Others placing in the net category were: 1, Janet Ott; 2, Sue Snow (73); Kris McGee (76); 4, Sandy Goble (79).

The Table Mountain GC Men’s Golf Club played a 4-Man Shamble, 2-Best Ball format for their weekly tournament. First flight winners were Tony Baptista, Vic Goble, Jerry McGee and Arvo Voip. Joe Nehl, Albert Nelson, Stephen McCarthy and Jeff Young won the second flight. First place third flight: Billy Harp, Jerry Pagel, Larry White, and a blind draw. Closest to the pin winners on the four, par-three holes were: Dan Flippin; Brent Bills, Jim Buck and Jamie Scharff.

Quotes

The Magistrate of Brussels, in 1360; “Whoever plays ball with a club shall be fined 20 shillings, or their upper garment.”

Kirk Sessions of Boharm in 1658; “James Waldie to have plaid at the golfe with the herds of Mulben; being found guilty they were rebuked for making so little conscience of the Lord’s day, and ordained to make their publick repentance three Lord’s days.”

Thomas Smollett in 1771; “Of this diversion the Scots are so fond, that, when the weather will permit, you may see a multitude of all ranks, from the senator of justice to the lowest tradesman, mingled together, in their shirts, and following the balls with utmost eagerness.”

Benjamin Rush (American Founding Father), circa 1800; “Golf is an exercise which is much used by the Gentlemen of Scotland. A large common, in which there are several little holes, is chosen for the purpose. It is played with little leather balls stuffed with feathers; and sticks made somewhat in the form of a hand-wicket.”

Lord Northbourne (at the presentation ceremonies after Walter Travis became the first American to win the British Amateur in 1904); “Never since the days of Caesar has the British nation been subjected to such humiliation.”

Chi-Chi Rodriguez; “I think most of the golf rules stink. They were written by guys who can’t even break a hundred.”

Ed Anderson’s local golf column appears Tuesdays. He can be reached at edanderson1936@gmail.com.

The food is magnificent, as authentic as anything I tasted when I lived in Paris — cue the accordion music. But even perfection has its tics.

Normally, service at this restaurant is sublime. But this night, I had a problem. After having a wonderful meal and then calculating a respectable tip of 20% on a pretty expensive bill, since the service was OK but not exceptional, I gave the waiter the money.

He disappeared.

Later on, while I was finishing my coffee, I noticed him glaring at me as he was flitting around the tables nearby.

Normally, I leave a tip between 30-40% because I used to work in a fast food joint and know that it isn’t exactly easy work.

However, I am also aware that nobody is owed a tip, and that it’s not my fault if the employer isn’t paying a decent salary. Just because I want to enjoy a nice salad doesn’t mean I am required to adopt the guy who brings it to my table.

So the glaring, and then the lack of a “thank you” for the tip was a little unnerving.

Then I did what I normally do whenever I have an experience that can fit into into a couple of short sentences: I hopped on Twitter.

Surprisingly, my complaint got a lot of “likes,” which goes to show you I’m not the only one who has had to deal with an ungrateful little whippersnapper. Of course, there were a bunch of current or former waitstaff who weighed in, calling me entitled, saying 20% was a pittance.

As I said before, I often tip up to 50% of the meal if the person serving it to me shows that they really appreciated my presence, albeit temporary, in their lives.

If they made me feel as if it wasn’t a burden to serve me and their name was not Job, it’s my default position to show gratitude with extra cash.

But the suggestion that a tip is owed, not earned, and the refusal to extend a simple “thank you” is a troubling commentary on something that has more to do with character than carbohydrates.

I’m tired of people assuming they have rights and privileges regardless of their own conduct. It’s not like I want a stranger to write me into her will if I hold the door open or let him go ahead of me in line.

Those are the normal reflexes of people who live in a civilized society.

I’m talking about the idea that if you extend yourself beyond what is expected in a particular social situation, that should be rewarded by the most valuable and least expensive of things: a smile and acknowledgment.

Waiters and waitresses have a hard job, but so do police officers, doctors, construction workers and even immigration lawyers. The last time I checked, no one was leaving money in a tip jar for me.

The assumption that even the most mediocre service deserves some kind of financial premium is wrong.

Sorry, but all of those kids who were raised by mommy and daddy to believe that they were special have morphed into presumptuous ingrates. That bread basket you just put on my table is not going to cure cancer.

That being said, I am still going to tip in a grandiose and generous manner when the person who is on the other side of the money acknowledges my humanity. There are a lot of young people who make my lattes, mix my Aperol spritzes and slice my pizza into exactly the correct size of slice who deserve not only a tip, but my genuine gratitude
for their genuine kindness.

As for those who think I owe them, this Karen — or Mademoiselle Carine, as the case may be — has better use for her hard-earned dough.

Christine Flowers is an attorney and a columnist for the Delaware County Daily Times, and can be reached at cflowers1961@gmail.com.